Thousands of Scots were out in force today taking advantage of cut-price Boxing Day sales – spending an estimated £587,000 per minute in stores and online. Insiders said big Boxing Day bargains may have helped retailers avoid a knockout blow over the festive period, although overall footfall was down on last year.
Barclays Bank claimed the average shopper was expected to fork out £236 yesterday – amounting to a £4.6billion spending spree in shops and online across the UK. A separate estimate suggests Scots had splashed out a cool £317million on Boxing Day deals.
Bosses at shopping centres across Scotland were upbeat, with David Pierotti of Glasgow’s Silverburn Shopping Centre saying: “Retailers have really pulled out all the stops.”
It comes as people’s shopping habits are changing with more and more Scots preferring to shop online for deals rather than heading to high streets and malls in person. That, along with wet weather and the squeeze on household finances, had led many shop owners to worry about their Yuletide takings.
Shopper footfall was down 10.6 per cent from last year across all UK retail destinations as of 10am on Boxing Day – and 13.9 per cent lower in shopping centres – according to analysts MRI Software In some malls, leading retailers like M&S, Next and John Lewis opted to stay closed on Boxing Day in a further sign of the trend away from in-person shopping.
However, tempting offers on fashion and electrical goods did persuade thousands of Scots to part with their cash both in shops and online. A GlobalData Retail study for VoucherCodes.co.uk suggested as many as 1.3million Scots shoppers might have taken advantage of the sales, spending an estimated £587,000 a minute for a total of £317million.
Kids heading out to splash their Christmas cash was thought to be a key driver in avoiding a meltdown in the aisles. At The Centre in Livingston, shoppers flocked to stores to treat themselves to everything from sleepwear and pampering goodies at Lush and Rituals to jewellery and gym gear to help get their New Year fitness resolutions off to a good start.
Alice Faulkner, a radio presenter from Lanark was out with Fraser Prentice, an engineer, enjoying their day out at the mall. Alice said: “We love visiting the shopping centre which always seems to have everything we need and today was no different.
“We’ve picked up lots of great bits and pieces, including a bathrobe from M&S and a pamper treat for myself at Lush.” Brands such as Dyson, Shark, Ninja, Boots, Dunelm and Oodie were among those offering mega savings.
There was £175 off the M Gen5Detect vacuum from Dyson, 30 per cent off a nest of tables at Dunelm and a Boots ‘Future Renew Collection’ of premium skincare products on sale for £57.60, instead of the normal £165. Ninja had £90 off a range of air fryers and multi cookers. Just ahead of Hogmanay, Tesco slashed £20 off a bottle of Talisker single malt whisky to only £28 for Clubcard holders.
Tens of thousands of people are estimated to have flocked to Scotland’s biggest shopping destinations, including Glasgow’s Silverburn and Braehead shopping centres, Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird and St James Quarter, Aberdeen’s Union Square and Dundee’s Overgate. David Pierotti, General Manager at Silverburn, said: “Boxing Day performance has been in-line with last year, and we are pleased with how the festive period has unfolded.
“The atmosphere has been festive and relaxed, with families making up 70 per cent of footfall from noon. We’ve also seen many youngsters out shopping with their Christmas money.
“Fashion, jewellery, and footwear have seen strong trading, while food and beverage outlets have been busy, and restaurants began to fill up at lunchtime. We’ve also noticed guests window shopping at our travel agents, likely thinking ahead to sunnier days.
“The overall mood has been upbeat, with plenty of festive cheer and groups meeting in good spirits throughout the centre.”
Ashley Bisland, Centre Director at Braehead, said Boxing Day was “proving busy as shoppers take advantage of discounts and offers”. As retailers look ahead to so-called “Frantic Friday” today, she added: “Whether you’re picking up a bargain in the sales or spending a day out with loved ones, our stores and restaurants are ready to make your visit extra special.”
Anne Ledgerwood, Estate Director for St James Quarter for in the capital, said: “Boxing Day has been a fantastic success with strong footfall and a vibrant atmosphere throughout the day. Our unique blend of luxury retail, dining, and entertainment continues to resonate with visitors, making us a key destination during the festive season.”
And Ryan Manson, Union Square Centre Director in Aberdeen, said: “We are delighted with the strong turnout this year for our Boxing Day sales, with impressive footfall and a number of queues from 10am. Having welcomed several exciting new brands to Union Square this year, including Footasylum, Mint Velvet and Mountain Warehouse, we’ve seen strong performances across beauty, jewellery, clothing and footwear today.
“Our footfall has been up throughout the festive period and with another strong weekend anticipated, it has been great to see our customers clearly enjoying the in-person shopping experience and great offers available.”
David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium said: ”The Boxing Day and post-Christmas sales are a key part of the shopping calendar. It’s a busy time for bargain hunters especially in fashion and entertainment categories, and for fitness-related items ahead of New Year’s Resolutions.
“It’s also a key period for retailers of furniture and home improvement categories. So, even though the Christmas rush is over, there is plenty to keep shoppers coming into stores in these final few days of 2024.”
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