URGENT UPDATE: UK high streets and retail parks are bustling as shoppers flock for last-minute Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve. Early data reveals a significant boost in retail footfall, providing much-needed support to retailers facing a tough economic climate.
According to figures from retail technology specialists MRI Software, foot traffic surged by 2.4% compared to last year, with a remarkable 20.5% increase from just a week earlier. This surge indicates that many Britons are leaving their shopping until the last moment, significantly affecting retail performance.
Retail parks have been particularly popular, seeing a 6.6% rise in footfall year-on-year and an impressive 36.3% increase from the previous week. High streets also enjoyed a boost, with footfall up 1.1% year-on-year, while shopping centres reported a 1% increase.
“The footfall shows that people are still out and about, shopping in their towns and cities across the country,” noted Jenni Matthews, a retail analyst at MRI Software.
Regional data highlights a notable surge in Wales, where shopper traffic soared by 7.9% year-on-year. London, too, saw a significant increase, with footfall rising by 2.6% as many shoppers ventured into the capital to secure gifts.
This late surge in shopping comes after a challenging year for retailers, who have grappled with rising labor costs and looming increases in business rates. Despite these challenges, the latest footfall figures indicate a resilient consumer presence in retail spaces.
As Christmas Day approaches, retailers are hopeful that this trend will continue, providing a much-needed boost to sales during the critical holiday shopping season. For many shoppers, the urgency of last-minute purchases adds to the excitement and anticipation of the holiday.
Stay tuned as we monitor shopping trends and retail performance leading up to Christmas Day.
