Shops gearing up for late Christmas frenzy

Shops in Staffordshire and the West Midlands were today bracing themselves for "Panic Saturday" as millions prepare to hit the shops.

More than 11 million people are set to battle the Christmas crowds across the country, ringing up more than £1 billion at the tills. Experts predict around £1.5 million will be spent every minute in the UK.

Frenzied shoppers will be heading out to pick up presents, with the average person expected to splurge £150 on last-minute gifts.

Traders in Stafford and at Cannock Shopping Centre were on standby for the influx of shoppers desperate to make the most of their last chance of a weekend hunt for presents.

Some shops have already started offering discounts in a bid to lure shoppers in, with the the number of deals on offer at its highest level since 2008.

Chris Simpson, chief marketing officer at shopping comparison site Kelkoo, said: "The peak weeks of Christmas trading are crucial to retailers as this period accounts for nearly one fifth of the UK retail industry's annual sales.

"However, despite all of the high street promotions and discounts that are already being offered, it's important for shoppers to check prices online before hitting the shops as many retailers operate a split pricing structure where website prices are lower than in their high street stores."

Meanwhile, the Centre for Retail Research predicts shoppers will splash out £128 each, helping retailers hit sales for the festive season of £69.09 billion.

Online sales are also set to soar by over 165 to £13.4 billion this Christmas compared to last year.

But some retail experts are predicting December 23 could be the biggest shopping day ever.

Card firm Visa UK has said it expects to process more than 33 million transactions.