High Streets packed as £320m splurge expected

Retailers' boost in 'most crucial trading period'

- BY PAUL DRURY

SCOTS are expected to spend £320million this weekend as the Christmas rush comes to a head.

The news will provide a festive boost for retailers who have, so far, endured a miserable buildup to the holiday season.

Yesterday, High Streets were already packed, with parking spaces in cities and towns across the country at a premium.

Despite the predicted inclement weather, it is anticipated that a similar picture will continue over the forthcoming days.

Scottish Retail Consortium director David Lonsdale said it was expected the spending spree would continue into next week.

He explained: "It's been a humdrum year for Scotland's retailers with only a tepid growth in retail sales of 0.9%.

"However, the buildup to Christmas is the most crucial trading period for many shopkeepers and December traditionally accounts for an eighth of annual retail sales.

"This final weekend before Christmas Day is set to be the busiest trading weekend of the year and could see around £320m spent in Scottish stores, chiefly on gift-related shopping.

"Next week, we expect the focus to switch to purchases of food and drink for the festive period as households prepare for get-togethers with family and friends. With plenty of competition for their custom, Scotland's shoppers are set to benefit from some great deals."