The conclusion of the UK Christmas shopping season witnessed a spectacular surge in footfall, with ‘Super Saturday’ and ‘Frenzied Friday’ exceeding expectations. Boxing Day, marked by eager shoppers seeking post-holiday bargains, saw Bicester Village emerge as a retail hotspot.
On Super Saturday, the final shopping day pre-Christmas, retail footfall soared by an impressive 35% year-on-year. Retail parks outshone, experiencing a notable 9.3% week-on-week rise in visitor numbers compared to high streets and shopping centers.
Frenzied Friday witnessed an outstanding 43% week-on-week increase in total retail shopper visits. The estimated spend of £4.89 billion by UK shoppers from 21-24 December showcased the robust shopping activity during this period.
Andy Sumpter, Sensormatic Solutions’ EMEA Retail Consultant, highlighted the strategic shopping behavior of consumers, waiting until the last moment to secure the best deals, contributing to the significant year-on-year footfall increase on Super Saturday.
Boxing Day saw a remarkable 39.2% week-on-week surge in store footfall, with only a marginal 1.2% dip on a year-on-year basis. Bargain-driven shoppers played a pivotal role in driving substantial in-store activity post-Christmas.
Insights from Bicester Village revealed massive queues on Boxing Day as shoppers sought post-Christmas deals, emphasizing the continued appeal of physical retail experiences. Central London also witnessed bustling high streets, with tourists significantly contributing to the vibrant post-Christmas shopping scene.
The amalgamation of record-breaking temperatures and consumer enthusiasm for positive year-end experiences contributed to the resounding success of post-Christmas retail in the UK.
For those seeking post-holiday deals, Bicester Village remains a top destination, epitomizing the resilience and appeal of in-store shopping experiences even in the digital age.
