'BUMPER' DAY FOR SHOPPING SPOTS

BOXING Day was a “bumper day” for all UK retail destinations as data shows shopper footfall was up 4.4% on last year, making it the strongest increase in more than a decade, industry analysts said.

- GEORGIA BATES Press Association Reporter

Shoppers in Cardiff city centre on Boxing Day

(MATTHEW HORWOOD)

The retail sector may end the year on a “positive note” as December 26 saw shoppers flock to high streets, retail parks and shopping centres.

With stores shut on Christmas Day, Boxing Day traditionally sees people stepping back out of their homes to bargain-hunt in the sales.

While there was a slow start for high streets and shopping centres, there was a “peak” in visits to UK retail destinations from 5pm to 11pm, according to retail analysts MRI Software - which counts footfall in more than 660 retail destinations across the UK 24/7 through cameras.

High streets enjoyed a 3.6% increase in footfall on last Boxing Day while retail parks saw an 8.8% uplift.

Shopping centres saw footfall up 2.1% on December 26, 2024.