Shoppers out to spend, spend, spend

Dec 22 2012

Christmas shoppers have hit the nation's high streets in their thousands in the last dash for gifts.

Shopping centres across Scotland reported high numbers of shoppers, despite the dismal weather in most places.

The British Retail Consortium is expecting this weekend to be "the big one", and predicts shoppers will spend up to £5 billion across the UK.

Glasgow's Braehead shopping centre said Saturday was expected to be its busiest day of the year, with huge crowds also anticipated for Sunday.

General manager, Peter Beagley said shoppers were queuing outside stores before they opened at 9am.

He said: "We opened all the doors at the mall entrances earlier than we would normally do and that meant shoppers could queue inside the centre out of the rain.

"By 10am our car parks were full and we had staff on duty directing cars to spaces when they became available.

"Despite the economic climate people are going out to enjoy their festive season this year and to make sure no one is missed out on the Christmas present list."