Tens of thousands of shoppers are expected to pack out Dundee stores this weekend in the search for last-minute Christmas gifts.
With no time left to order online, those still in need of gifts will have no option but to hit the streets.
Many of those hoping to secure early presents were put off the annual effort last weekend amid several days of driving wind and rain as well as plummeting temperatures.
The city’s biggest shopping mall, the Overgate Centre, saw around 10,000 fewer customers than had been expected last Saturday alone.
And the city’s retailers are hoping these last few days prior to Christmas bring in bumper numbers to make up for the reduced trade.
The Dundee branch of the Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland (FSB) urged locals to consider supporting independent retailers.
David Groundwater, FSB’s development manager for Dundee, said: “With more than 3700 businesses across Dundee and four in five of them smaller operators, there are plenty of shopping opportunities out there for those looking for that last minute gift or addition to the Christmas dinner.
“Small businesses are having to find new ways to attract and retain customers in what are undoubtedly challenging times, but they still contributing to local communities in a way that the big chains or online giants simply don’t.”
He added that visiting independent stores would give local owners an “early Christmas present” and boost the city’s high streets.
He said: “FSB recognises that our all of high streets, small and independent businesses face challenges from out of town shopping centres, Brexit uncertainty and the internet, but with the deadline passed for postage, our local businesses are primed and ready with quality products and service that is second-to-none.”
Supermarkets are also preparing for so-called Super Saturday today — their biggest day of the year.
Across the country, shoppers are expected to buy 1.8m mince pies, four tonnes of sprouts and 400,000 bottles of fizz.
Peter Aitken, centre manager of the Wellgate Shopping Centre said he was confident the mall will be busy with shoppers after the recent addition of new shop T J Hughes.
He said: “With T J Hughes reporting strong sales already, and the shop reinvigorating the entrance to the centre more generally, we are confident that our footfall and sales will be very positive in the days ahead and, looking further ahead, the post-Christmas sales.”
Alison Henderson, chief executive of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, added: “We all need to get into our local shops, high streets and retailers to help support the local economy and the many people employed in this sector.
“Online shopping may be driving consumer behaviour but if we want vibrant thriving places to live, work and play we need to support that with our spending.”
