Shoppers are expected to spend less on Boxing Day sales as high living costs squeeze households.
Credit card company Barclaycard predicts the average person will spend £229 in post-Christmas sales, down £18 from last year.
Bargain hunters could also face disruption from more rail strikes likely to cause traffic congestion around malls.
The AA forecasts that 15.2 million cars will be on the roads during the day.
The Automobile Association said: “Traffic is likely to build up around shopping malls as many people seek a bargain in clearance sales. Meanwhile, football fans will travel to see their teams.”
It said there could be “local” congestion, but added: “Traffic should be spread out throughout the day as people take their time after Christmas Day.”
Network Rail workers who are affiliated with the RMT union are on strike until 06:00 GMT on 27 December. Railway companies are warning services could be disrupted for much of the coming week.
A Barclaycard survey of 2,000 potential buyers found that 42% said the higher cost of living would dampen spending in the post-Christmas sale, with many saying they were spending less compared to previous years.
The rate of price increase – also known as inflation – reached 10.7% in November, which was lower than in October but still at the highest level in 40 years.
Harshna Cayley, Head of Online Payments at Barclaycard Payments, said: “The rising cost of living and inflationary pressures have obviously impacted the amounts being spent on post-Christmas sales this year.”
The company also found that people plan to use resale sites like eBay to get rid of unwanted Christmas gifts and shop for bargains.
It said 28 percent of people surveyed expect to sell gifts with luxury food and beverages and personal technology goods most likely to be flogged first.
Add Comment