Footfall figures released by Synovate Retail Performance show that the Bank Holiday on Monday, December 28 was the busiest shopping day of 2009.
The number of people out shopping in non-food outlets was up 1.2% on the previous busiest day, Saturday December 19), and 27.5% busier than Boxing Day.

As with other reports of strong sales (see John Lewis story) the VAT rate increase to 17.5% on January 1, may have played a part I driving shoppers to the high street.

Synovate's Dr Tim Denison said: "We must be cautious about how these figures should be interpreted. I don't believe this is symptomatic of a dramatic bounce back in consumer confidence. The strong performance is anchored around consumers considering making some expensive household purchases before the VAT rate returns to 17.5% in January.

"The strong footfall is also reflective of the fact that most retailers resisted going to mainstream 'Sale' before Christmas. Indeed it is only since Christmas that shoppers are finding sale bargains on the high street. In this regard then, the bubble is somewhat artificial and should not be taken to mean that consumers feel the recession is behind them."