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To: maceng2 who wrote (668)	12/18/2004 12:52:25 AM
From: maceng2	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 1417

Retail hopes for late sales rush news.bbc.co.uk Shoppers have been playing 'chicken' with retailers, say experts Britain's biggest retailers are hoping that Saturday will see the start of a Christmas shopping rush after disappointing festive sales so far. Research retail group Footfall is predicting a last minute surge in trade over the next seven days. Customers appear to have been holding on for bargains, reports BBC business correspondent Hywel Jones. Many stores are already offering cut prices, while shopping on the internet has also affected High Street shops. The slow business in the past few weeks has been a test of nerve for retailers this Christmas, said Hywel Jones. Some big stores have been experimenting with discount days and longer opening hours. 'Basic psychology' And indications are that high street sales have gradually been increasing in recent weeks. But this weekend - the last before Christmas - retailers will be looking for a marked upturn in their fortunes. It is this time of year when retailers make most of their money. And, said Hywel Jones, they will be banking on some fairly basic psychology - which seems to work, year in year out, that as Christmas Eve approaches, the stampede to the stores happens. It appears a lot of consumers are leaving it late, shopping in malls and buying gifts online Warrick Malcolm, Scottish Chambers of Commerce In Scotland, businesses are feeling positive. Warrick Malcolm, deputy director of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said consumers appeared to be playing a game of "chicken" by leaving it to the last minute. Mr Malcolm said: "The picture in Scotland is more optimistic than across the UK. "A couple of weeks ago people were nervous as shops were doing a lot of deals and one-off days. "But it appears a lot of consumers are leaving it late, shopping in malls and buying gifts online. "We expect things will take off in the final week and it will be as good a Christmas as ever."