December 23, the peak shopping day ahead of Christmas, has once again been fruitful for retailers across the UK.
Data from MRI Software shows footfall across the UK surged 28.5% yesterday, led by a 45.5% rise in shopping centre footfall, alongside a 31.1% jump in retail parks.
Footfall across UK high streets also enjoyed “strong” week-on-week growth, which was up 18.8%.
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MRI marketing and insights director Jenni Matthews said the spike reflects the “attraction of the vast leisure and retail options available to consumers” as shoppers hunt for last minute gifts and groceries as well as activities to keep the family entertained.
However, the firm noted that footfall remained 5.3% lower in high streets compared to the same date last year “suggesting the cost of living pressures continue for many families”.
Matthews added that “while many are taking to the shops ahead of Christmas Day, this may well be the last splurge before a big spending freeze sets in in the new year for consumers, meaning that retailers should be taking heed of these trends to plan accordingly for a challenging start to 2025”.
It comes as shoppers are expected to have spent £1.46bn both online and in-store on December 23, a 6.6% rise compared to the same day last year, according to VoucherCodes.co.uk’s Shopping for Christmas Report.
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