UK shoppers spending more on the high street than last Christmas

Department stores saw a rise in sales of almost 7%, though clothing and accessories were down 2%

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Shoppers surged on to UK high streets on Saturday amid signs they are spending more than last year in the run-up to Christmas as retailers hope for a last-minute rush.

Spending was up 2.3% year on year during the seven weeks to 20 December, led by a 6.1% rise online, according to the credit and debit card provider Visa. Shoppers focused on electronics and homewares, with sales rising almost 7% in department stores and electronics sales up 1.3%.