CANNY shoppers have ensured a busy run-up to Christmas for St Helens retailers, says the boss of the town’s main shopping centre.

People have spread out the cost of their gift-buying over the last few weeks, said Church Square Shopping Centre manager Steven Brogan.

“It’s very busy out here at the moment, and it seems to have been that way since the start of November,” he said.

“And people are carrying lots of bags from our retailers, it’s not just window shopping. The feedback I’ve been getting is that shoppers have gone out to buy a few presents each week, so the cost is spread out.

“However, we are expecting a last minute rush over the weekend and the final few days to Christmas, when people get their December pay packets.”

Once store doors close on Christmas Eve, shop staff will be getting ready for the start of the sales.

“We are now bracing ourselves for the Boxing Day sales, which  start on Friday, when people head out to pick up some bargains on their doorstep,” added Steven.