"Boxing Day sales are expected to deliver a £3.6 billion boost to UK retailers this year, around £1 billion less than in 2024, as cost-of-living pressures continue to weigh on household spending. The forecast comes from Barclays, which tracks nearly half of all credit and debit card transactions across the UK. The anticipated decline represents a blow to retailers during their all-important "golden quarter", traditionally the most lucrative period of the year."
"However, those who do head out are expected to spend more individually. The average Boxing Day shopper plans to spend £253, up from £236 a year ago, suggesting that fewer but more determined bargain-hunters will be driving sales. Nearly half of shoppers say they will use the discounts to stock up on familiar products at lower prices, while one in four intend to focus solely on essentials."
"Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said shoppers had shown "just how cost-conscious they are throughout 2025", a trend she expects to continue on Boxing Day. She added that artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping how consumers approach sales events, helping them compare prices, generate gift ideas and set personalised alerts."
Boxing Day sales in the UK are forecast to total £3.6 billion, roughly £1 billion below last year, as cost-of-living pressures suppress household spending. Barclays, which tracks nearly half of UK card transactions, projects a weaker outcome during the retail "golden quarter". Intention to shop on Boxing Day has fallen to 26% from 28% a year earlier, though the average shopper plans to spend £253, up from £236. Shoppers plan to use discounts to stock up on familiar products or focus on essentials, with clothing, food and drink, and beauty most sought after. Pre-Christmas sales remain below pre-pandemic levels amid ongoing saving behaviour. Artificial intelligence is shaping how consumers compare prices, generate gift ideas and set personalised alerts.
Read at Business Matters
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