Shoppers flocked to the UK's high streets and shopping parks to buy last-minute gifts on Christmas Eve, boosting retailers amid a challenging consumer backdrop.
According to early data, more shoppers visited stores and retail destinations compared to a year ago.
Figures from retail technology specialists MRI Software showed traffic until 1pm on Christmas Eve was up 2.4% compared to the same day last year.
This also represented a 20.5% increase on the previous week, as many Britons left their shopping late.
He said this was particularly due to a large number of shoppers visiting retail parks to make last-minute purchases.
Footfall at retail parks increased by 6.6% compared to the previous year and was 36.3% higher week on week.
Meanwhile, footfall on high streets rose 1.1% year-on-year and shopping centers saw a 1% increase.
Jenni Matthews, retail analyst at MRI Software, told the Press Association: “It has been a difficult year for retailers after they first felt the impact of last year's autumn budget, which led to increases in labor costs.
“Many now also expect an increase in business rates next year.
“The influx shows that people are still out and about, shopping in their towns and cities across the country.”
Regional data showed that Wales saw a particular increase in last-minute shopping, with a 7.9% year-on-year increase in shopper traffic.
Many shoppers also ventured to London to buy gifts, where an increase of 2.6% was recorded.
