Shopping sales slump

Forecasters are warning that it's going to be a cold, cold Christmas for Britain's retailers, as the nation's shoppers hang on to their cash, fearing an economic crash in the new year.

.

Many of the big chain stores are being forced to instigate January sales in the week before Christmas in a desperate attempt to lure last-minute shoppers.

.

Thanks to higher taxes, we all have less money than ever in our pockets and as the fallout from the EU Budget Rebate agreement rages on, it seems we are generally very wary about spending. After all, somehow we will have to find an extra £2billion per year soon, to fill the EU's coffers.

.

The smaller independant retailers are probably hardest hit as they cannot afford to slash prices in the same way as the big multi-nationals, which is a pity, as the independant shopkeepers often provide a level of service that is sadly lacking in the faceless, shameless, charmless corporate chain stores.

.

.

Streets half empty and shops emptier still, as the shoppers stay at home.