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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.
