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Data shows retailers are “doing well” this Christmas, with customer visits rising significantly, ending an otherwise difficult year.
Analysts said footfall across all UK destinations was up 3.9% on last year due to a “resilient” performance from retailers, but also suggested consumers had more time for last-minute shopping as Christmas approaches later this week MRI software said.
MRI said Boxing Day footfall was up 4.4% on last year, making it an “outperforming” trading day and the strongest increase in a decade.
Retail parks led the way with an increase of 8.8%, shopping streets increased by 3.6% year-on-year, and shopping center traffic increased by 2.1% year-on-year.
Boxing Day growth was driven by evening events, with footfall between 5pm and 11pm averaging 9.6% higher than last year, which is likely to boost leisure and hospitality venues.
momentum As of Saturday, passenger traffic was up 1.6% year-on-year, with high street traffic leading the way with a 2.4% increase, while shopping center traffic fell slightly by 0.6%.
“Footage is expected to continue to rise in the coming days as family gatherings come to an end and consumers look forward to New Year’s Eve,” said Jenni Matthews, retail analyst at MRI Software.
“Shoppers are likely to continue to look to town for sales, festive events and attractions, and restock on food and drink essentials to keep the festive retail period running smoothly.
“Taken together, these Christmas week trends provide a welcome boost for retailers after a challenging start, highlighting the importance of Christmas in the calendar and the increasingly important role of leisure-led footfall in sustaining seasonal performance; a trend that remains strong throughout 2025.”
london West District Passenger traffic from December 26 to 27 increased by 1.5% compared to the same period last year.
Dee Corsi, chief executive of New West End Company, said: “Footfall in the West End increased by 1.7% on Boxing Day, driven by Oxford Street 5%.
“Despite heightened cost pressures and challenging economic conditions across the country, businesses in London’s West End are now looking to convert footfall into sales and end the year on a positive note.”