With Christmas Day over, millions of bargain hungry shoppers will be out in force on the high street and online in search of bumper Boxing Day deals
Millions of bargain hunters are set to embark on a £3.6billon Boxing Day spending blitz.
High street stores and retailers are gearing-up for bumper business as many launch their post-Christmas sales, or ramp-up offers, with prices slashed by as much as 70%.
But in what will be a major concern for industry bosses, the amount predicted to be spent is down sharply as the ongoing cost of living crisis continues to take its toll. Barclays says its forecast of £3.6billion spent during this year’s Boxing Day sales will be markedly less than the £4.6billion that was estimated last year, and £4.7billion in 2023.
The bank reckons the average Boxing Day shopper will spend more than last year, £253 versus £236 in 2024. However, only 26% plan to buy anything on Boxing Day, down from 28% last year, with 69% of people quizzed by Barclays saying cost pressures will impact their spending this year, up sharply from 47% a year ago.
As well as money worries, the traditional Boxing Day sales event has lost some of its significance over the years, with many retailers cutting prices ahead of Christmas, or shoppers looking for bargains in November’s Black Friday event.
Despite the growth of online, most people still prefer to head to the shops on Boxing Day, with many using it as an excuse to stretch their legs after the excesses of Christmas Day. Barclays found half of those who will browse the Boxing Day sales plan to visit shops in-person, saying they prefer to see and touch items before they buy, or liking the human interaction.
Separate forecasts from discount website Vouchercodes.co.uk suggest 15.2million people will hit the shops today, with 7.8 million shopping online. However, it also predicts Saturday will be when far more people will take to the bargain hunt with a vengeance.
A growing number of people will also use artificial intelligence tools to help them hunt for a deal, Barclays’ research claimed. Two in five of those polled say they use AI or other online tools when shopping, rising to 53% for those aged 18 to 34.
Clothes, shoes and accessories are at the top of shoppers’ wish lists this Boxing Day, with 37% of those planning on splashing the cash, followed by food and drink, beauty products, and homewares. A savvy one in five are even thinking ahead by snapping up discounted Christmas items for next year.
Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said: “Shoppers have demonstrated just how cost-conscious they are throughout 2025, and we expect that we’ll see this play out during the Boxing Day sales, particularly with AI empowering consumers to shop smarter and seek out the best deals. Despite this, many still enjoy the social and sensory experience of visiting stores.
“Those that do hit the high street might benefit both from bigger budgets, perhaps having held out for the sales, and potentially less competition, from fewer sales shoppers.
“Boxing Day is still a pivotal moment for retailers, fuelled by Christmas nostalgia, but it has evolved to reflect modern consumer demands. This year, we’re likely to see a balanced blend of online convenience, experiential retail and increasingly mindful purchasing.”
While many shops will be open, fashion giant Next is continuing with tradition and remaining closed on Boxing Day. However, its online sale started after stores shut on Christmas Eve, giving online shoppers a head start on its markdown deals.
Among those kicking their Boxing Day sales in store, Matalan has up to 50% off womens, mens, kids and homewares. Argos is offering savings of up to 50% on selected lines across gifts, technology, toys and home, with electricals giant Currys slashing prices by as much as 40%. Online department store Debenhams has already cut prices by as much as 70%.
Roads around popular retail hotspots are expected to be jammed. The Bluewater shopping centre in Kent will be open from 10am to 7pm, with the nearby Lakeside mall open from 10am to 6pm. Manchester’s Trafford Centre and Sheffield’s Meadowhall will fling their doors open even earlier, at 8am.
Experts are also warning shoppers to be cautious for fear a spending spree may lead to a new year hangover.
Harry Rose, Which? Magazine Editor, said: “It can be hard to tell the genuine bargains from the dud deals in the Boxing Day sales but there are steps you can take to make sure you’re getting value for money. Take time to research the products you really want and check that the ‘deal’ you’re seeing represents a genuine saving by using a price comparison site to check pricing history. That way, you can be confident that you’re getting a quality product at a good price that will last for years to come.”
FASHION
Khaki Long Technical Rubberised Coat, from Matalan Was: £60 Now: £35
Burgundy Stripe Jumper, from Matalan Was: £20 Now: £10
Aus Wooli Australia slippers, from Debenhams Was: £114 Now: £37.47
Weird Fish Longmont quarter zip fleece, from Debenhams Was: £60 Now: £24.31
HOMEWARES
San Antonio velvet corner sofa, from DFS Was: £3,399 Now: £2,899
White Flower Embossed Duvet Set King Size from Matalan Was: £27 Now: £13
Orange Ombre Faux Mohair Throw, from Matalan Was: £20 Now: £11
Habitat Pebble Mango Wood Table Lamp – Natural and White, Argos Was: £32 Now: £21.33
Tefal 3 Non stick Aluminium Induction Pan Set, at Argos Was: £100 Now: £50
TECH
Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 Sensory Bass Headphones – Black, from Argos Was: £129.99 Now: £99.99
Samsung Q7F5 75” QLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV, from Currys Was: £1,199 Now: £1.099
Scoville Black 8L Digital Air Fryer With Window, at Asda Was: £89 Now: £50
BEAUTY
Dyson Airstrait Hair Straightener – Bright Nickel & Rich Copper, from Currys Was: £449 Now: £299
Therabody TheraFace LED Face Mask – White, from Currys Was: £579 Now: £449
Soap & Glory Be Berry & Bright Collection 5 Piece Gift Set, at Boots Was: £20Now: £10
Artiscent Male Gift Set x3 20ml, at SuperdrugWas: £10Now: £5
TOYS
Lego Technic Lamborghini Revuelto Super Sports Car Toy, at Argos Was: £160 Now: £100
Little Live Pets Pink My Puppy’s Home! Minis Playset, at The Entertainer Was: £27 Now: £13.50
Fisher-Price Little People Disney Princess Playset Cinderella’s Dancing Carriage, at SmythsWas: £34.99Now: £19.99
Magic Mixies Surprise Cauldron, at The Range Was: £24.99 Now: £17.49
