Boxing Day 2025 delivered a significant boost to UK retailers, with shopper numbers across the nation rising by a notable 4.4 per cent compared to the previous year. Industry analysts have hailed this as the most substantial increase witnessed in over a decade, suggesting the retail sector could be ending a challenging year on a positive note.
Evening Surge Drives Record Numbers
Data from retail analysts MRI Software, which monitors over 660 destinations, revealed a fascinating pattern. While high streets and shopping centres experienced a slow start to December 26th, the period from 5pm to 11pm saw a dramatic peak in visits. Footfall during these evening hours surged by an average of 9.6% year-on-year, far outstripping the 3.1% average increase seen from 6am to 5pm.
Jenni Matthews, a retail analyst at MRI Software, suggested this evening rush was likely driven by leisure. "The fact that much of the uplift came from the evening period suggests that people may have been going out for leisure activities or going out for a bite to eat," she told the Press Association. "Or making the most of the events and attractions that are still taking place in some towns and cities across the UK."
Retail Parks and Coastal Towns Lead the Way
The performance varied significantly by location type. Retail parks saw the most impressive growth, with an 8.8% uplift in footfall, potentially due to supermarkets and larger stores opening earlier. High streets enjoyed a solid 3.6% increase, while shopping centres saw a more modest 2.1% rise.
Coastal towns emerged as unexpected hotspots, recording a massive 16.1 per cent increase in visitor numbers. Ms Matthews attributed this spike to local events, such as markets, drawing crowds despite many shops remaining closed. "It’s likely to be event-driven because we know that a lot of stores were still shut yesterday," she added.
A Positive End to a Tough Year?
The Boxing Day boom followed a reported "big boost" in footfall on Christmas Eve, indicating some last-minute shopping, after an early surge in November. With many major stores like Marks and Spencer, Aldi, and Lidl closed for the bank holiday, the analysts believe hospitality and leisure venues reaped significant benefits from the increased public activity.
"This is an early indicator that the retail sector may well end the year on a positive note given the challenging times faced at the beginning of the year," concluded Ms Matthews, describing December 26th as a definitive "bumper day for all UK retail destinations".
