UK high street panic as fewer shoppers trek out due to online sales and weather

High street retailers have reported a dismal festive trading period as people turned to online shopping during the windy and wet weather.

Fewer consumers braved going out to shops because of ferocious storms Bert and Darragh.

But there was a glimmer of hope – as footfall figures surged during the last weekend and the final days before Christmas.

And on Friday, bargain hunters flocked to the High Street for the proper start of the Boxing Day sales, with shopper numbers up by 20 per cent compared to the same day last year.

The momentum continued and by yesterday at 2pm numbers were up two per cent on 2023.

Jenni Matthews, of MRI Software, which provided the data, said: “This is an encouraging sign for towns and cities, and could be reflective of shoppers seeking out Boxing Day bargains and enjoying leisure activities, which are increasingly becoming integral to retail destinations.”

However, the British Independent Retailers Association said that trading for December was worse than last year’s – and some small shops may be forced to close in the new year as a result.

Its CEO Andrew Goodacre said: “Footfall has been lower in December and more people were inclined to buy online than in previous years.

“Businesses on the high street have just had a tough year and Christmas has not brought any cheer, to be honest. Everyone was hoping December would lift spirits.” Despite average wages rising above inflation, the expert also noted: “There is too much negative talk about the economy – people don’t feel confident they can look forward, spend and feel happy about that.”

Mr Goodacre stated that the start of the next year “looks like being very difficult for many” small retailers, saying: “My fear is that some may say, ‘Enough is enough, it’s time to get out.’”

He feels that more will follow when the minimum wage, business rates and employer’s national insurance contributions all rise in April.

The retail boss added: “The Government has got to be really sure the economy can withstand the costs they are putting on businesses – not just retailers, but across the board.”