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Imphal (Manipur) [India], December 14 (AN): Assam Rifles has made significant strides in its campaign against illicit poppy cultivation along the Indo-Myanmar border, identifying and destroying 354 acres of poppy fields in 2024. These operations were concentrated in the districts of Ukhrul, Churachandpur, and Chandel, officials stated on Saturday. The collective efforts of Assam Rifles have been pivotal in combating the narcotics trade, securing stability in Manipur and beyond. The organization has consistently prioritized dismantling poppy fields, a trend evident since 2020 when they identified 8,057 acres, destroying 1,695 acres. This vigilant action persisted with numerous acres of poppy disrupted over the years. Utilizing cutting-edge technology and engaging local communities, Assam Rifles partners with various state and central agencies to implement a multi-pronged strategy. The use of drone surveillance and collaboration with agencies like the Narcotics Control Bureau and local police forces underscores a robust operational framework against poppy cultivation and narco-trade in the region. (With inputs from agencies.)

( MENAFN - GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) NEW YORK, Dec. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of WM Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAPS) between May 25, 2021, and September 24, 2024, both dates inclusive (the“Class Period”), of the important December 16, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm. SO WHAT: If you purchased WM technology securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the WM Technology class action, go to or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email ... for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than December 16, 2024 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose, among other things, that: (1) WM Technology's monthly average user metrics (“MAUs”) were severely inflated for years; and (2) as a result, defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the WM Technology class action, go or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email ... for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: or on Twitter: or on Facebook: . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 ... MENAFN14122024004107003653ID1108993389 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.MIT Pioneers AI-Related BCI TechDrop in Boxing Day footfall ‘signals return to declining pre-pandemic levels’

Chefs Warehouse Stock Hits All-Time High at $44.66 Amid Robust Growth

Share this Story : Canada suffers "big blow" with loss of Matthew Schaefer for the rest of World Juniors Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Breadcrumb Trail Links Sports Hockey Junior Hockey World Juniors Canada suffers "big blow" with loss of Matthew Schaefer for the rest of World Juniors Author of the article: Don Brennan Published Dec 28, 2024 • Last updated 14 minutes ago • 2 minute read Join the conversation You can save this article by registering for free here . Or sign-in if you have an account. Canada's Matthew Schaefer (right) battles for the puck against Swiss players in pre-tournament action. Schaefer suffered an injury on Friday that will force him miss the rest of the tournament. Photo by Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS Article content The new Saturday morning was as devastating as it was expected: Article content We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Try refreshing your browser, or tap here to see other videos from our team . Canada suffers "big blow" with loss of Matthew Schaefer for the rest of World Juniors Back to video Article content Standout Canadian defenceman Matthew Schaefer will miss the rest of the World Juniors with an injury suffered in Friday’s loss to Latvia. Respected hockey insider Bob McKenzie posted on ‘X’ that Schaefer broke his collarbone and is expected to be sidelined for 2-3 months. Schaefer, a 17-year-old sure to be either selected first or soon thereafter in next June’s NHL entry draft, crashed violently into a goal post shoulder first while driving to the net early in the first period of the 3-2 upset that ranks as one of the most surprising in tournament history. Advertisement 2 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office. Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account. Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office. Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account. Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Sign In or Create an Account Email Address Continue or View more offers If you are a Home delivery print subscriber, online access is included in your subscription. Activate your Online Access Now Article content From a pair of exhibitions against a U Sports all-star team through the pre-tournament competition and an opening, 4-0 victory over Finland, the Erie Otters blue liner was arguably Canada’s best player. Filling his spot on the backend will be Sawyner Mynio, a third-round Vancouver Canucks pick who has thus far watched the action from a seat in the press box. Also expected to dress for Sunday’s must-win game against Germany is forward Carson Rehkoph, a Seattle Kraken second-round selection who has scored 72 goals in his last 87 games in the Ontario Hockey League. “Big injury, obviously, a big blow to our team,” said Team Canada management lead Peter Anholt in addressing the loss of Schaefer in the lobby of Kanata’s Brookstreet hotel. “But that’s the beauty of Canada, in a lot of ways. It’s the depth. Mynio will come in and it’s next guy up. We’re going to need some better performances out of some guys on our back end, and we feel we’ve got the people back there to do it. “The thing about Schaef is he plays play so well ... he skates and he makes things happen. And you know what, the next guy up is going to have to do it for us.” Advertisement 3 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content It’s been a tragic past 12 months for Schaefer, a native of Stoney Creek, Ont., who lost his mother to cancer in February and then saw the owner of his junior team, who was a close friend, suffer a deadly heart attack in December. One year ago, his billet mom, Emily Matson, also passed away at the age of 42. Canadian teammates expressed their sorrow for Schaefer, a popular player among the group. As for the loss on the ice, returning blueliner Oliver Bonk and Schaefer had developed in Canada’s top tandem. “It’s tough,” Bonk said of losing his D-man partner. “I feel really bad for the guy. He’s a great kid, it’s fun being around him like he played and he’s playing amazing. So it’s definitely a tough loss.” Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : Canada suffers "big blow" with loss of Matthew Schaefer for the rest of World Juniors Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Comments You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments. Create an Account Sign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Trending Canadian military fears maintenance issues will plague equipment sent to Latvia Defence Watch Victim of Christmas Day homicide remembered as 'a beautiful person' News Canada suffers two big losses against Latvia at world juniors World Juniors Caldwell: These 2024 photos of Ottawa expose its struggles and small wins News Ottawa Senators could be without goalie Linus Ullmark for rest of road trip and maybe more Ottawa Senators Read Next Latest National Stories Featured Local Savings

LOGAN, Utah (AP) — Mason Falslev scored 27 points as Utah State beat South Florida 88-67 on Saturday night for the Aggies' best start in school history. Falslev had nine rebounds, nine assists, and three steals for the Aggies (10-0). Ian Martinez scored 15 points while shooting 4 for 12 (1 for 6 from 3-point range) and 6 of 6 from the free-throw line and added five assists. Karson Templin finished 5 of 8 from the field to finish with 12 points. Quincy Adekokoya led the Bulls (5-5) in scoring, finishing with 12 points. Kasen Jennings added 11 points and five assists for South Florida. Brandon Stroud finished with 10 points and two steals. NEXT UP Up next for Utah State is a Tuesday matchup with UCSD at home, and South Florida hosts Bethune-Cookman on Wednesday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .AP Sports SummaryBrief at 3:50 p.m. EST

Wall Street ends flat after the Christmas breakNo better time than now to enjoy the outdoors

Stevenson scores 17 to lead Cleveland State past Brescia 103-37 CLEVELAND (AP) — Je'Shawn Stevenson scored 17 points as Cleveland State beat Brescia 103-37 on Saturday night. Stevenson also had five assists for the Vikings (6-6). Isaac Abidde added 14 points and Tevin Smith scored 12. Canadian Press Dec 14, 2024 3:29 PM Dec 14, 2024 3:50 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message CLEVELAND (AP) — Je'Shawn Stevenson scored 17 points as Cleveland State beat Brescia 103-37 on Saturday night. Stevenson also had five assists for the Vikings (6-6). Isaac Abidde added 14 points and Tevin Smith scored 12. The Bearcats were led in scoring by Damon Howard, who finished with eight points. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar . The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Science News Mystery drone sightings keep happening in New Jersey. Here's what we know (and don't know) Dec 14, 2024 2:42 PM Mystery drone sightings keep happening in New Jersey. Here's what we know (and don't know) Dec 14, 2024 10:21 AM How to catch the Geminids, one of the strongest meteor showers of the year Dec 14, 2024 9:54 AM

Ketron Shaw scores 30 to lead Maryland Eastern Shore over Bryn Athyn 91-65NFR to restore operations of actual number of passenger trains prior to Covid phase

BISMARCK — Oil and gas production in North Dakota showed varied results in October 2024, according to the latest report from the North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC). Statewide oil production increased by 1.5% to 36.52 million barrels (BBLS), while natural gas production experienced a slight decline, totaling 105.97 million thousand cubic feet (MCF). McKenzie County led the state in production, contributing over 11.34 million BBLS of oil and 49.46 million MCF of gas. This accounted for approximately 31% of North Dakota’s total oil production and 47% of its gas output. Compared to September, oil production in McKenzie County dropped by 2.7%, while gas production remained largely unchanged. ADVERTISEMENT In Divide County, oil output surged by 42.2%, reaching nearly 991,000 BBLS, while gas production rose by 19.9% to 1.26 million MCF. This marked one of the most significant month-to-month increases among the counties. Dunn County, the state’s second-largest oil-producing county, reported stable oil production at 8.47 million BBLS. However, gas production in Dunn County fell by 7.6%, with a total output of 15.25 million MCF. Bottineau County recorded a 3% increase in oil production, rising to 121,204 BBLS in October. Burke County saw a 1.8% increase in oil production, producing 241,481 BBLS. Gas production also grew to 586,604 MCF. Stark County’s gas production dropped by 6.7%, totaling 390,748 MCF. Wells and Activity Levels The number of wells capable of production in North Dakota rose to 21,632 in October, compared to 19,334 in September. This growth in active wells underscores continued investment and operational activity in the state’s oil and gas sector. Key counties such as McKenzie, Williams and Mountrail reported significant shares of these producing wells. The oil and gas industry remains a cornerstone of North Dakota’s economy, supporting nearly 50,000 jobs and accounting for over 51% of the state’s tax revenues in recent fiscal years, according to the North Dakota Petroleum Council (NDPC). According to a report by the NDPC, advancements in technology, such as three-mile lateral wells, enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and the integration of AI and real-time analytics, are helping producers maximize efficiency while reducing environmental impact. These innovations, they assert, have enabled the industry to explore and produce oil more cleanly and efficiently, using techniques like CO2 injection to extend the productive life of wells and advanced drilling technologies to reduce the number of wells required for development. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that the Bakken Formation holds up to 3.3 billion barrels of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil, while industry experts suggest the potential could reach as high as seven to ten billion barrels. ADVERTISEMENT Last year, the October 2023 report indicated that the state set a record with 18,619 producing wells, averaging 1.245 million barrels of oil per day. For detailed production statistics , the October 2024 Oil and Gas Production Report can be accessed through the NDIC’s official website.

Bank of America Announces Full Redemption of Its Series MM Preferred Stock and Related Depositary SharesInstrumental Chinese Christmas music floated throughout Lan Su Chinese Garden on Friday night, welcoming visitors after hours to celebrate the winter solstice, known as Dongzhi . Commemorating the longest night of the year, Dongzhi is historically a time spent with family, eating traditional food and honoring ancestors. This year, it falls on Dec. 21, coinciding with the last day of Lan Su’s Dongzhi celebrations. Continuing Dec. 14, 20 and 21, the events aim to meld traditional elements from the Chinese winter solstice with western holidays. “This is the second year we actually opened our doors to do a nighttime event,” said Venus Sun, vice president of culture and community at Lan Su Chinese Garden. “What’s new this year is we really started to build the winter wonderland of Lan Su. ... You’re gonna see the magical Chinese Garden be lit in all these different colors.” The nightly event runs 5-7 p.m. and includes interactive activities such as a photo opportunity with Chinese Santa Claus, taste testing tangyuan treats, Dongzhi tree decorating and augmented reality installations throughout the garden. Tangyuan, meaning “soup ball,” is a dessert made from rice flour that can include fillings such as black sesame, red bean or peanut paste. “Oftentimes they are cooked, served in a sweet stew,” said Kristen Thoennes, teahouse manager at Lan Su. “They can also be done savory as well. These ones are sweet, because it’s the holidays and so I made a little syrup of goji berries, ginger, Chinese five spice, blood orange.” Formed into balls symbolizing unity and togetherness, the tangyuan are a traditional dish eaten during Dongzhi. This cultural element is one of the many ways Lan Su hopes to inspire, engage and educate visitors about Chinese culture. “There’s different ways that people observe holidays and traditions than is on completely the other side of the globe,” Sun said. “(We) want to bring this idea of getting together and showing the holiday, but make it traditional Chinese style.” For many visitors, the event was their first time learning about Dongzhi. For Baleigh and Patia Bartlett Isaacs and their son, Robin, the event gave them the opportunity to be students of another culture, said Baleigh. “It’s wonderful to see,” Patia said. “We don’t have any experience with (Dongzhi) other than being here. So it’s nice to see the different things and all the celebrations.” After Robin visited the gardens on a school field trip, the family signed up as members to participate in more events organized at Lan Su. “We didn’t want to miss it to celebrate the holidays and the beautiful garden,” said Baleigh. Incorporated into the atmosphere of the garden, augmented reality stations were interspersed throughout the park, adding a digital element to the evening. Created by CETI (Creative and Emerging Technology Institute), the digital overlays of paper lanterns, a dragon and a magnolia tree helped tell the story of ancestors who lived in and helped create Portland’s Chinatown. “We wanted to do a storytelling to honor the community that helped build Portland, that lived in this neighborhood and brought all sorts of beautiful things like this to the city,” said Nandini Ranganathan, founder and executive director of CETI. Visitors were invited to scan QR codes in the garden to access different visualizations. The project is a form of public art, said Ranganathan, that encourages people to incorporate emerging media into storytelling and learn more about the history of Chinatown. “All our streets and buildings and everything are named by rich white landowners, but you know, there were a lot of other people who built this city,” said Ranganathan. Located in the heart of Chinatown, Lan Su Chinese Garden’s Dongzhi events invite visitors to explore Portland’s history and Chinese traditions in an inclusive environment open to all backgrounds. “There are so many options out there for your holiday activities, but we want to be here to provide this little corner of traditional holiday joy, but in Chinese cultural style,” said Sun. “It doesn’t matter if you have a Chinese cultural background or you are a visitor to Portland ... we welcome everyone to join us.” Dongzhi: A Chinese Holiday Party, 5-7 p.m. Dec. 14 and Dec. 20-21, 239 N.W. Everett St., lansugarden.org/dongzhi — Chiara Profenna covers religion, faith and cultural connections. Reach her at 503-221-4327; cprofenna@oregonian.com or @chiara-profenna on BlueSky. The Oregonian/OregonLive receives support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to bring readers stories on religion, faith and cultural connections in Oregon. The Oregonian/OregonLive is solely responsible for all content.PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has a bone bruise on his left knee and will miss two games, the team said Thursday. The 76ers said George did not suffer any structural damage when he injured the same knee that he hyperextended during the preseason in Wednesday night's loss at Memphis. The game marked the first time this season the All-Star trio of George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey started a game together. George will miss home games Friday against Brooklyn and Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers, his former team. A nine-time All-Star, the 34-year-old George will be evaluated again on Monday. Wednesday's 117-111 loss to the Grizzlies dropped the Sixers to 2-12, the worst record in the NBA headed into Thursday night's games. George signed a four-year, $212 million contract with Philadelphia after five seasons with the Clippers. He has averaged 14.9 points in eight games this season. Embiid has been out with injuries, load management rest and a suspension, while Maxey was sidelined with a hamstring injury. An expected contender in the Eastern Conference, the Sixers haven't won since an overtime victory against Charlotte on Nov. 10. AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Boxing Day shopper footfall was down 7.9% from last year across all UK retail destinations up until 5pm, MRI Software’s OnLocation Footfall Index found. However, this year’s data had been compared with an unusual spike in footfall as 2023 was the first “proper Christmas” period without Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, an analyst at the retail technology company said. It found £4.6 billion will be spent overall on the festive sales. Before the pandemic the number of Boxing Day shoppers on the streets had been declining year on year. The last uplift recorded by MRI was in 2015. Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, told the PA news agency: “We’ve got to bear in mind that (last year) was our first proper Christmas without any (Covid-19) restrictions or limitations. “Figures have come out that things have stabilised, we’re almost back to what we saw pre-pandemic.” There were year-on-year declines in footfall anywhere between 5% and 12% before Covid-19 restrictions, she said. MRI found 12% fewer people were out shopping on Boxing Day in 2019 than in 2018, and there were 3% fewer in 2018 than in 2017, Ms Matthews added. She said: “It’s the shift to online shopping, it’s the convenience, you’ve got the family days that take place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.” People are also increasingly stocking-up before Christmas, Ms Matthews said, and MRI found an 18% increase in footfall at all UK retail destinations on Christmas Eve this year compared with 2023. Ms Matthews said: “We see the shops are full of people all the way up to Christmas Eve, so they’ve probably got a couple of good days of food, goodies, everything that they need, and they don’t really need to go out again until later on in that week. “We did see that big boost on Christmas Eve. It looks like shoppers may have concentrated much of their spending in that pre-Christmas rush.” Many online sales kicked off between December 23 and the night of Christmas Day and “a lot of people would have grabbed those bargains from the comfort of their own home”, she said. She added: “I feel like it’s becoming more and more common that people are grabbing the bargains pre-Christmas.” Footfall is expected to rise on December 27 as people emerge from family visits and shops re-open, including Next, Marks and Spencer and John Lewis that all shut for Boxing Day. It will also be payday for some as it is the last Friday of the month. A study by Barclays Consumer Spend had forecast that shoppers would spend £236 each on average in the Boxing Day sales this year, but that the majority of purchases would be made online. Nearly half of respondents said the cost-of-living crisis will affect their post-Christmas shopping but the forecast average spend is still £50 more per person than it was before the pandemic, with some of that figure because of inflation, Barclays said. Amid the financial pressures, many people are planning to buy practical, perishable and essential items such as food and kitchenware. A total of 65% of shoppers are expecting to spend the majority of their sales budget online. Last year, Barclays found 63.9% of Boxing Day retail purchases were made online. However, a quarter of respondents aim to spend mostly in store – an 11% rise compared with last year. Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said: “Despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it is encouraging to hear that consumers will be actively participating in the post-Christmas sales. “This year, we’re likely to see a shift towards practicality and sustainability, with more shoppers looking to bag bargains on kitchen appliances and second-hand goods.” Consumers choose in-store shopping largely because they enjoy the social aspect and touching items before they buy, Barclays said, adding that high streets and shopping centres are the most popular destinations.Global Recruiting Candidate Relationship Management Software Market Size, Share and Forecast By Key Players-SmartDreamers, Manatal, eightfold, Avature, Talentlyft

Israeli attorney general orders probe into report that alleged Netanyahu's wife harassed opponentsBoxing Day shopper footfall was down 7.9% from last year across all UK retail destinations up until 5pm, MRI Software’s OnLocation Footfall Index found. However, this year’s data had been compared with an unusual spike in footfall as 2023 was the first “proper Christmas” period without Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, an analyst at the retail technology company said. It found £4.6 billion will be spent overall on the festive sales. Before the pandemic the number of Boxing Day shoppers on the streets had been declining year on year. The last uplift recorded by MRI was in 2015. Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, told the PA news agency: “We’ve got to bear in mind that (last year) was our first proper Christmas without any (Covid-19) restrictions or limitations. “Figures have come out that things have stabilised, we’re almost back to what we saw pre-pandemic.” There were year-on-year declines in footfall anywhere between 5% and 12% before Covid-19 restrictions, she said. MRI found 12% fewer people were out shopping on Boxing Day in 2019 than in 2018, and there were 3% fewer in 2018 than in 2017, Ms Matthews added. She said: “It’s the shift to online shopping, it’s the convenience, you’ve got the family days that take place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.” People are also increasingly stocking-up before Christmas, Ms Matthews said, and MRI found an 18% increase in footfall at all UK retail destinations on Christmas Eve this year compared with 2023. Ms Matthews said: “We see the shops are full of people all the way up to Christmas Eve, so they’ve probably got a couple of good days of food, goodies, everything that they need, and they don’t really need to go out again until later on in that week. “We did see that big boost on Christmas Eve. It looks like shoppers may have concentrated much of their spending in that pre-Christmas rush.” Many online sales kicked off between December 23 and the night of Christmas Day and “a lot of people would have grabbed those bargains from the comfort of their own home”, she said. She added: “I feel like it’s becoming more and more common that people are grabbing the bargains pre-Christmas.” Footfall is expected to rise on December 27 as people emerge from family visits and shops re-open, including Next, Marks and Spencer and John Lewis that all shut for Boxing Day. It will also be payday for some as it is the last Friday of the month. A study by Barclays Consumer Spend had forecast that shoppers would spend £236 each on average in the Boxing Day sales this year, but that the majority of purchases would be made online. Nearly half of respondents said the cost-of-living crisis will affect their post-Christmas shopping but the forecast average spend is still £50 more per person than it was before the pandemic, with some of that figure because of inflation, Barclays said. Amid the financial pressures, many people are planning to buy practical, perishable and essential items such as food and kitchenware. A total of 65% of shoppers are expecting to spend the majority of their sales budget online. Last year, Barclays found 63.9% of Boxing Day retail purchases were made online. However, a quarter of respondents aim to spend mostly in store – an 11% rise compared with last year. Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said: “Despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it is encouraging to hear that consumers will be actively participating in the post-Christmas sales. “This year, we’re likely to see a shift towards practicality and sustainability, with more shoppers looking to bag bargains on kitchen appliances and second-hand goods.” Consumers choose in-store shopping largely because they enjoy the social aspect and touching items before they buy, Barclays said, adding that high streets and shopping centres are the most popular destinations.