Bargain hunters at Boxing Day sales

'December 27 is normally the busiest shopping day of the year  -  the launch of many winter sales campaigns.

'This year, however, the 27th falls on a Sunday, when trading hours are curtailed by law, so many retailers instead are planning to open on the 26th, some for the first time.

'There is a sense that post-Christmas trading will be very strong. In part shoppers will be chasing down those bargains that simply did not appear before Christmas, but in part, also, householders will be looking to buy big-ticket items such as white and brown goods before VAT returns to 17.5 per cent in January.'

The expected £21.9billion shopping bonanza comes after an extremely difficult year for retailers that has wrecked havoc on the High Street.