Retailers resilient over Christmas

RETAILERS "held up well" this Christmas, with a welcome boost to customer visits ending an otherwise trying year, figures show.

- JOSIE CLARKE

Footfall across all UK destinations was up 3.9% on last year in a "resilient" performance by retailers, but also suggesting consumers had more time for last-minute shopping thanks to Christmas falling later in the week, analysts MRI Software said.

Boxing Day footfall rose to 4.4% higher than last year, making it the "standout" trading day - the strongest increase witnessed in a decade, MRI said.

Retail parks led the way with an 8.8% uplift, while high streets saw a 3.6% year on year increase and shopping centre visits were up 2.1%.