Footfall across UK retailers was down 8.9% as of 3pm yesterday compared with 26 December in 2023, according to data from MRI Software.
Jenni Matthews, the retail tech experts' marketing and insights director, said: "The decline in Boxing Day activity may reflect a shift in consumer behaviour, influenced by the ongoing cost of living crisis."
UK high streets suffered the biggest decline - about 10.9% - followed by shopping centres and retail parks, at which footfall fell 7.8% and 5.4% respectively.
Wales took the biggest hit, with a 16.9% decrease in shoppers. Footfall in Greater London fell 6.1% compared with last year. As footfall levels jumped 18% on Christmas Eve this year, many shoppers may have also front-loaded their spending in a pre-gifting rush, Matthews said.
Denne historien er fra December 27, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
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Denne historien er fra December 27, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
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