MILLIONS of Brits will hit the high street to splurge £1.2billion on last-minute Christmas bargains on the biggest shopping day of the year.
Customers headed for the shops early this morning to stock up on gifts, food and decorations ahead of the big day.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
14
14
14
14
It’s thought up to 8.5 million of us will visit stores before following the Government’s advice to isolate ahead of meeting friends and family in Christmas bubbles.
And with people avoiding shops later this week, traders are expecting their biggest day of the year.
Stores will stay open late to help social distancing.
Council officials installed hand sanitiser posts in Kent’s shopping districts.
The county, which is in Tier 3, is currently the UK’s worst-hit area for Covid.
But it didn’t deter shoppers who visited a bustling Christmas market in Dartford.
14
14
14
14
The streets of Nottingham – which is also in Tier 3 – are heaving today as customers in masks stock up on presents for loved ones.
And huge queues built outside supermarkets from first thing this morning.
Aldi in Southampton was heaving before the sun rose, while at Costco in Manchester, customers could be seen pushing trolleys stacked with supplies for the next two weeks.
Even in Tier 3 areas, non-essential shops can remain open.
But there’ll be nowhere for shoppers to rest their feet and enjoy a mulled wine, as all restaurants, pubs and bars must stay shut.
Officials at the Centre for Retail Research, said: “People don’t want to shop on the last days before Christmas so are buying a lot now.
14
14
14
14
14
“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.”
Office staff also got creative for Christmas dos.
In Tier 2 areas, just six people can meet outside in a pub garden. – and ‘substantial’ meals must be ordered.
As a result, scores of Brits staged videocall parties last night. Some bosses delivered alcohol to staff.
TRAGIC END
Woman’s body rolled up in mattress and left for 6 days after drug party overdose
GRIM FIND
Tributes to ‘lovely girl’ found dead ‘in suitcase’ amid ‘foul smell’ in London
‘KIDNAP’ CHARGE
Couple charged with abduction after girl, 8, vanished after McDonald’s trip
BEAST ON STREETS
‘Rape kit’ paedo who threatened sex attack is freed and housed near SCHOOL
TIERS FOR BEERS
Drinkers hit pubs while they can as streets deserted in London and Cardiff
HOLY MOLY
Amateur archaeologist says Holy Grail is in a ‘secret crypt’ under Hounslow river
Worker Steve Harwood tweeted: “It’s a Zoom birthday lunch with the office followed by a Zoom office party. Cheers.”
Many will stay at home from tomorrow as part of the Government’s new directives on a safe Christmas.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson 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.”
14
Tesco shelf stacker ‘sacked because he was forced to self-isolate’
GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]
This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
