RETAILERS in Carlisle are gearing up for Super Saturday as shoppers hit the high street in preparation for Christmas Day.

The anticipated rush should provide a boost after a disappointing weekend for retailers with gales and freezing rain brought by Storm Deirdre blamed for low shopper numbers.

Holly Woodhead, marketing manager for The Lanes Shopping Centre, said December had been a “busy month” for the shopping centre.

She said: “Even though overall weekly footfall has been down slightly by one or two per cent based on last year’s figures, footfall for late night shopping and the weekends has increased.

“We have seen a real increase in Sunday shopping with an average uplift so far of 5.7 per cent.

“This uplift at the latter part of the week could be due to the low unemployment rates in the area or the fact that families are seeing shopping as an experience, a day out together.

“Last year we did have Toys R Us in the centre, that will be a real miss to shoppers this year.”

Footfall is expected to be up 20 per cent on the daily average on Super Saturday while Sunday and Christmas Eve are anticipated to both be up by five per cent.

Ms Woodhead said beauty products and jewellery have been selling well.

She added: “Key retailers have marked an increase in spend with items such as nightwear, knitwear and partywear.

“Christmas Eve this year falls on a Monday versus a Sunday last year.

“This means that we will have a full weekend of shopping to come.

“We are open normal times tomorrow, Sunday and Christmas Eve and are expecting a large number of last minute shoppers.”

Jimmy New, director of marketing at the firm VoucherCodes, said: “Super Saturday will be a big shopping day for both retailers and consumers alike as millions flock to stores looking to snap up last-minute gifts and other essentials before Christmas Day.

“It’ll certainly be one of the busiest shopping days on the high street so, if you do brave the shops, expect crowds.”

The UK high street has been hit hard this year as several large companies have entered administration including House of Fraser and Evans Cycles, which were bought by Sports Direct tycoon Mike Ashley.

Last week he said November was “unbelievably bad” and warned that many retailers will be unable to take the strain.

Names such as Toys R Us UK, Poundworld and electronic retailer Maplin fell into administration, while fashion chains New Look, Marks and Spencer and Debenhams all announced store closures.

The Carlisle branch of New Look remained open and moved into new premises. The old unit is being split into three separate premises.

Homeware firm Laura Ashley, which has a store off London Road in Carlisle, announced this week that it was to close 40 stores as the company’s new chairman pushes ahead with a fresh vision for the brand which includes expansion in China.

And once Christmas is out of the way many shoppers will be eager to spend their gift vouchers and cash.

Many retailers already began slashing prices this week with significant savings to be had on many goods including bags, shoes and electrical items.

And stores are busy preparing for the sales - which start on Boxing Day - with Carlisle city centre again set to benefit.

Ms Woodhead said: “On Boxing Day itself, Next will open at 6am, followed by New Look and JD Sports at 8am and then Debenhams, Primark and the rest of the stores at 9am.”