More shoppers hit high streets and retail parks for late Christmas purchases

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Customers descended on UK excessive streets and retail parks to purchase last-minute items on Christmas Eve, boosting retailers amid a difficult shopper backdrop.

Extra consumers visited retailers and retail locations in contrast with a 12 months in the past, in line with early knowledge.

Figures from retail know-how specialists MRI Software program confirmed footfall as much as 1pm on Christmas Eve was up 2.4% in contrast with the identical day a 12 months earlier.

This additionally represented a 20.5% leap towards per week earlier, with many Britons leaving their buying late.

It stated this was significantly pushed by numerous consumers visiting retail parks for last-minute purchases.

Retail park footfall rose 6.6% in contrast with a 12 months earlier and was 36.3% greater week-on-week.

In the meantime, footfall on excessive streets lifted by 1.1% year-on-year, and buying centres reported a 1% improve.

Jenni Matthews, retail analyst at MRI Software program, advised the Press Affiliation: “It has been a troublesome 12 months for retailers after they first felt the impression of final 12 months’s autumn funds, which led to will increase in labour prices.

“Many are actually anticipating greater enterprise charges subsequent 12 months too.

“The footfall reveals that persons are nonetheless out and about, buying of their cities and cities throughout the nation.”

Regional knowledge confirmed that Wales noticed a selected surge in last-minute buying, with shopper visitors lifting by 7.9% year-on-year.

Many patrons additionally ventured into London to snap up presents, with it reporting a 2.6% improve.