Hungover shoppers to spend £1.2billion today in last dash for Christmas presents

HUNGOVER shoppers will today spend £1.2billion in a last dash for presents.

Many will stumble along high streets with headaches after boozing last night to celebrate the start of two weeks’ holiday.

Christmas shoppers flocked to Oxford Street in London todayCredit: 2020 Stephen Lock / i-Images

Crowds of Christmas shoppers make their way through Liverpool city centreCredit: Mercury Press

Shoppers head to the shops in Manchester despite remaining in Tier 3Credit: Zenpix

Up to 8.5million are expected to hit stores before following the Government’s advice to isolate ahead of meeting family and friends in Christmas bubbles.

Today’s spree will include spending usually seen on December 23 and 24.

Shops will stay open late to help social distancing.

London’s Oxford Street was busy yesterday and the Centre for Retail Research, said: “People don’t want to shop on the last days before Christmas so are buying a lot now.

“Some haven’t even started so are panicking and getting it in one go.”

Sir Cary Cooper at the Manchester Business School said: “The risk averse are obeying the Government and shopping now so they get five days clear.

“Other people will listen to the advice but make their own decision on when to shop.”

With many pubs shut by Tier rules, scores of Brits staged videocall parties last night. Some bosses delivered alcohol to staff.

Worker Steve Harwood tweeted: “It’s a Zoom birthday lunch with the office followed by a Zoom office party. Cheers.”

The PM has said: “If you’re visiting others over Christmas we are asking you in the five days beforehand to reduce the number of people you’re in contact with to as few as possible.”