Retailers believe that the increase in spending during December indicates that the UK’s retail sector is making a comeback. Information from Ipsos Retail Performance indicates that this year’s Christmas season was significantly busier than last year’s – an excellent sign for the country’s ailing retail sector.
This year’s Boxing Day sales attracted 1.1% more visitors than last year, according to new figures from the retail analysis group. The increase is even more visible on the days surrounding Christmas, with December 27 attracting 17.3% more retail shoppers than the same date in 2012.
While the data only covers a small time period, retail experts believe that it shows a possible return to health for the retail sector. Consumers are spending more on gifts and other retail purchases than in previous Christmas seasons, with a larger number of people taking part in holiday sales and special offers.
Certain sectors have performed better than others. Homeware and DIY products are flying off the shelves – a phenomenon that’s been linked to the increase in housing market activity across the country. Shoppers have also spent heavily on discounted clothing and consumer electronics in a wide variety of Boxing Day sales.
Retailers are particularly optimistic due to the weather many shoppers braved over the Christmas and Boxing Day period to take part in special sales. Shoppers braved a period of heavy rain and storms to make their way to the shops, showing a serious level of dedication to late-December retail therapy.
Sky News reports that over 3,500 people were waiting outside London’s Selfridges on Boxing Day morning. Others on the ground reported that tens of thousands of people were queuing outside other retailers on Oxford Street, dubbed London’s “Boxing Day capital” by retail shopping experts.
