MILLIONS of Brits are packing out high streets as they blow £1.7billion in the shops today, with London set to plunge into Tier 3.
The splurge works out at over £3million every minute over nine hours trading.
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Bargain hunters were seen flocking to high streets across the UK in a pre-Christmas spending bonanza.
Oxford Street was thronged with Saturday shoppers as Brits splashed the cash along London’s retail epicentre.
Worried Londoners fearing a plunge into Tier 3 within days — shutting pubs and restaurants — brought forward their last-minute shop by a week.
Around 60,000 shoppers are expected today at London’s Brent Cross, with 80,000 at Lakeside, Essex, and 130,000 at Manchester’s Trafford Centre.
Pandemic-weary Brits in Leeds, West Yorkshire and Newcastle were also pictured packing out hard-hit high streets.
HIGH STREET SPLURGE
Shopper numbers are hit when bars and diners are closed, as traditional Christmas shopping days out end with drinks or a meal.
Websites are also expected to be shunned in favour of high streets, amid fears online deliveries will not arrive for Christmas.
Some Royal Mail second class post is taking more than two weeks, Amazon sellers have said.
And some fear shortages of goods amid imports chaos at ports.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Primark fans queued overnight for a 36-hour shopping bonanza.
The High Street chain is opening its doors for an around-the-clock marathon shopping spree.
It is believed Middlesborough Primark is one of the stores that will open for 36 hours on the weekend before Christmas, according to Teeside Live.
Some Primark stores opened for 24-hours to help people shop safely after lockdown lifted in England on December 2.
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Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the Centre for Retail Research, said: “Saturday will be a big day.
“Spending is happening earlier this year.
“Some who combine shopping with meals out know they might not be able to do that next weekend.
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“More customers will be in shops as most purchases will now be through stores, as shoppers are aware of delivery issues online.
“More people are spending now as they are concerned in-demand goods may run out closer to Christmas.”
How would the rules change if London goes into Tier 3?
If London is moved from Tier 2 to Tier 3, the main difference in restrictions is related to social gatherings, which will come as huge blow with just nine days before Christmas day.
In Tier 2, people can meet in groups of six outside – including places such as public spaces, private gardens and outdoor areas of pubs or restaurants.
Hospitality venues can also stay open as long as they serve a “substantial meal” with all sales of alcohol.
But in Tier 3, all hospitality venues would have to close.
People in Tier 3 must not meet with people from different households, unless they have a support bubble.
There are some limited exceptions to this – meaning groups of up to six people could meet in some outdoor public places such as parks, beaches, public gardens and playgrounds.
Shops, gyms and hairdressers can remain open in Tier 3.
Handful of shoppers turn out for early morning openings in Glasgow
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