Post-Christmas footfall is up year on year as shoppers flocked to the stores for the Boxing Day sales.
Footfall across all UK retail destinations was up 14.2% on 27 December compared to last year, driven by a 20.2% surge in shoppers on high streets, according to data from MRI Software.
Shopping Centres enjoyed a 12.7% rise in footfall, while retail parks saw a modest 2.7% increase.
The surge in shoppers come as footfall on Boxing Day (26 December) fell 7.6% as many retailers, including John Lewis, M&S and Next remained closed.
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MRI Software marketing and insights director Jenni Matthews said: “Retail park footfall was 6% higher compared to 2019 up until 12pm, and then fell to -6.2% for the entire day, suggesting shopper habits have changed since pre-pandemic times and they are more likely to browse the Boxing Day bargains and restock on groceries ahead of visiting towns and cities to make the most of festive markets which will only be around for a few more days.
“It’s also a nod to the vast investments that have been made in retail parks over the last five years and how much they have diversified to become an all-encompassing retail and leisure hub for consumers.
“Following a subdued start to the Boxing Day sales, this uplift is promising for retail stores and destinations. It’s expected that footfall will continue to rise as we head into the weekend as consumers continue to restock on groceries, prepare for New Year’s celebrations, and hunt for Boxing Day bargains.”
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