High Street tills starting to ring

CHRISTMAS shoppers packed the stores at the weekend but Britain's shopping centres were still emptier than a year ago.

While busier than in the past two weekends, malls were 2.5% less full than on the same days last year, research conducted by analysts FootFall for the London Evening Standard revealed.

The previous two weekends were down 4% and 5% respectively, triggering early bargains at a host of jittery retailers.

'People are leaving Christmas shopping to the last minute,' said FootFall's David Smythe.

A surprising divide has emerged in the past two weeks, with shoppers in the North and Scotland more willing to spend than those in the South.

Shopping malls in Scotland, the North East, North West and East Midlands are running as much as 5% busier than the UK average while the South East, East Anglia and West Midlands are emptier or in line with the nationwide picture.