Despite the allure of deep discounts, fewer people visited UK high streets on Boxing Day this year. Figures from the British Retail Consortium show that central London experienced a 7.7% drop in footfall compared to last year's figures.
The trend was bucked by retail parks, however, which saw a 6.9% rise in visitors. This shift has sparked concerns among retailers who rely heavily on Boxing Day sales for post-Christmas revenue.
Analysts suggest that the decline may be attributed to changing shopping habits and increased online competition. As consumers become more savvy about finding bargains, many are opting for the convenience of online shopping over in-store visits.
The figures also highlight a growing divide between traditional high streets and newer retail formats such as retail parks and out-of-town shopping centres. Retailers will be closely monitoring sales data to assess the impact on their businesses.