By Graeme Strachan

TENS OF thousands of people thronged the streets of Dundee as retailers in the city centre enjoyed a very busy weekend.

Shoppers showed no signs of fading enthusiasm in the run-up to Christmas, despite record numbers of Brits doing their festive shopping online this year.

Surveys suggest that Britons will spend a record £7 billion on online purchases this year and outlets across the country have reported quieter than usual activity this year.

But the reverse seems to be true of Dundee and High Street store Slaters Menswear was one shop which experienced its busiest shopping day of the year to date on Saturday.

“Our sales in November beat those made in the same month a year ago,” said store manager David Mooney.

“In November 2005 sales were strong due to the launch of the store. However, this year we have beaten those figures.

“We thought because we’ve been busy late last month that people were being very organised by starting their Christmas shopping earlier and we might hit a wee quiet spell.

“But it’s just got busier and Saturday has been our busiest day of the year.”

Robertson & Watt the jeweller has experienced a positive second half of the year with a rise in sales of 15% ahead of last year.

Store owner Graham Meade said they were noticing more and more visitors coming to the city from Aberdeen and Perth, especially on the weekend when shoppers are day- tripping to Dundee.

“It’s been extremely busy,” said Mr Meade.

“We’ve had a good second half of the year from July and footfall seems to be on the up.

“November was a bit slow but we’re still ahead of the game.

“We’ve noticed people are coming from Aberdeen and Perth for the day.”

Still smiling from the recent accolade of Scottish retailer of the year, Ozzy’s proprietor Shiraz Ossman said Christmas had been much busier than expected.

The store in Seagate opened every night last week until 9.00 to cope with demand.

“We’re just rushed off our feet,” said Mr Ossman. “Even we’ve been surprised by just how busy we’ve been.”

The Gallaghers retail park car park was full for most of the weekend, while the Forum Shopping Centre was also packed.

City centre manager Lorna McKenzie said, “The city definitely has more to discover this Christmas.

“As well as giving greater choice to the shoppers who come to Dundee, the new and expanding retailers bring new jobs to the city centre in time for Christmas adding to the economic development of the city.

“Dundee city centre remains committed to successfully establishing itself as a destination of choice for leisure and retail for the north-east of Scotland.”