Retailers have reported strong increases in sales over the Christmas weekend, as rising confidence levels in a fast-recovering economy encouraged shoppers to spend more. Future Group’s department store Pantaloons reported a 30% increase in sales over last year and a 20% rise in footfall. Top selling items included partywear, formalwear, casual clothing, toys and gifts.

At Reliance Trends, the clothing chain owned by Reliance Retail, like-for-like sales growth was also 30%, driven by female shoppers increasing their spend on ladies’ and children’s clothing.