Tills have been ringing like jingle bells in Fife in the last few days of Christmas shopping.
Traders have enjoyed a welcome surge during December with people on the hunt for the perfect gifts for their loved ones and friends.
In Dunfermline, the Kingsgate Shopping Centre reported an upturn in the second week of the month of more than 30% in the number of customers passing through.
It is expected that figure will be higher for last week once results are known, and shops still have today and tomorrow to clock up last minute sales.
Kingsgate centre manager Neil Mackie said that, similar to recent years, the festive rush had been delayed.
However, he said trade was good withstanding competition from online retailers and changing shopper habits, including consumers waiting for Black Friday sales at the end of November.
He said: “Christmas has come late for the last few years, particularly because of Black Friday.
“Our footfall averages around 150,000 a week.
“The week before last the numbers went up to 200,000 and when the figures come in for last week we’re expecting it to be higher than 200,000.
“We also have the advantage this year of another two full shopping days this week.
“Feedback so far is that trade has been reasonably strong given all the external pressures such as online shopping.”
Many of the town’s independent traders, as well as the chain stores, have been particularly busy.
One of the newer outlets Happy Earth Place, which sells zero waste and eco-friendly products, was so busy many lines had sold out.
Others including craft shop Sew Yarn Crafty have enjoyed brisk trade.
