(qlmbusinessnews.com . Sun 28th Dec, 2025) London, UK —
High Street Struggles: Foot Traffic Wanes During UK's Boxing Day Sales
The commencement of the Boxing Day sales has witnessed a notable decrease in enthusiasm as UK consumers increasingly bypass traditional shopping outlets in favour of digital alternatives.
Data collated by MRI Software revealed a downturn in foot traffic, with high street visits dropping by 1.5% compared to the previous year, and shopping centres experiencing a decrease of 0.6%. Although retail parks saw an uptick in visitors by 6.7%, this was insufficient to significantly impact overall footfall.
Forecasts by Barclays anticipated a reduction in sales spending to £3.6 billion, a notable dip from the £4.6 billion predicted in the preceding year, indicative of a diminished interest in sale-day bargains. Concurrently, a decline in online spending is also anticipated.
Despite the ongoing tradition of shopping during the sales, the current figures suggest a diminished allure of Boxing Day as a premier shopping event.
According to Barclays’ consumer spend report, anticipated spending per individual has risen by £17 on average, despite projections indicating a decrease in total expenditure on Boxing Day sales compared to last year. Karen Johnson, Barclays’ Head of Retail, remarked on the year-round cost-conscious mindset of consumers, which is expected to persist into the sales period.
Some shoppers, however, have found solace in the quieter atmosphere, like one Glasgow resident who appreciated the laid-back vibe which allowed for a more pleasant shopping experience on Boxing Day.
Major retailers including Next, John Lewis, Poundland, Wickes, and Iceland chose to keep their doors shut on Boxing Day, adding to the subdued trading environment.
Diane Wehrle, CEO of Rendle Intelligence and Insights, commented on the challenging economic climate faced by consumers throughout the year, exacerbated by anticipatory spending cuts ahead of the festive season, especially in light of announcements made prior to the November budget.
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, in the latest budget speech, unveiled plans for tax increases amounting to £26 billion by 2029-30, signalling the highest tax to national income ratio at 38% by 2030-31 as forecasted by the OBR. Such fiscal adjustments are poised to further strain household budgets amidst enduring high inflation rates, notwithstanding a slight alleviation from previous peaks.
Businesses are also bracing for increased expenditures due to higher minimum wage mandates and National Insurance contributions, set against a background of tepid economic growth.
Whilst Visa's festive spending figures showed a modest increase in the lead-up to Christmas, with a notable 8.4% rise in electronics spending, the overall retail sentiment remained reserved, as evidenced by the Office for National Statistics' November report, highlighting consumer reluctance even amidst Black Friday and early Christmas discounts.
Wehrle further underscored the diminishing relevance of Boxing Day sales, attributing this trend to extended pre-Christmas discounting periods and the burgeoning preference for online shopping.
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