Boxing Day sales in the UK are expected to see significant consumer participation, with shoppers projected to spend an average of £236 each. According to new research from Barclays Consumer Spend, this year will see a renewed interest in physical stores despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures. The total spending across the UK is estimated at £4.6 billion, slightly down from £4.7 billion in 2023.
The report indicates that nearly half of Brits (47%) acknowledge that financial concerns will influence their spending decisions this year. However, the average expenditure remains £50 higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019, suggesting a continued pursuit of value-for-money deals during post-Christmas sales.
A notable trend is the increased preference for in-store shopping experiences, with over a quarter (26%) planning to allocate most of their sales budget to physical retail locations, up from 15% last year. This shift is attributed to consumers' desire to physically examine products before purchase and enjoy social interactions while shopping.
Despite some retailers choosing not to open on Boxing Day, high streets and shopping centers remain popular destinations for bargain hunters. Many shoppers express a willingness to support local businesses and independent retailers during this period.
Online shopping continues to dominate the market, with 65% of consumers intending to make purchases through virtual platforms. Key reasons include avoiding crowds and benefiting from the convenience and speed of online transactions.
Practical items such as kitchen technology and food and drink are increasingly sought after by shoppers looking for functional purchases during sales events. Kitchen electronics have seen a significant rise in popularity among consumers.
Barclays' Head of Retail, Karen Johnson, remarked: “Despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it is encouraging to hear that consumers will be actively participating in the post-Christmas sales. This year, we’re likely to see a shift towards practicality and sustainability.”
Sustainability remains a priority for many UK shoppers, with efforts focused on reducing environmental impact through second-hand purchases and cutting back on fast-fashion items.