Home / Business and Economy / Boxing Day Footfall Soars: Retail Sees Biggest Boost in a Decade
Boxing Day Footfall Soars: Retail Sees Biggest Boost in a Decade
27 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Shopper footfall on Boxing Day saw a 4.4% increase over last year.
- This marks the strongest increase in UK retail footfall in over ten years.
- Evening hours saw the largest surge, indicating potential leisure activity.
UK retail destinations experienced a significant surge in shopper footfall on Boxing Day, with data revealing a 4.4% increase compared to the previous year. This marks the strongest growth seen in over a decade, offering a positive outlook for the retail sector as the year concludes. High streets saw a 3.6% rise, retail parks an 8.8% increase, and shopping centres a 2.1% uplift.
The evening period, from 5 pm to 11 pm, was particularly strong, with visits up by an average of 9.6% on last year. This contrasts with a more modest 3.1% increase during daytime hours. Analysts suggest this late surge could be linked to people engaging in leisure activities, dining out, or enjoying events in towns and cities.
Coastal towns, in particular, saw a remarkable 16.1% increase in footfall, potentially driven by local events and markets. Despite some major retailers remaining closed on Boxing Day, the overall boost suggests that the retail sector may conclude the year on a strong note after a challenging period.
