Two thirds of shoppers will spend less this Christmas compared with last year, according to a poll by Gfk Research Panels.

Of the 618 households surveyed, 36 per cent said they would spend less than last year, while 26 per cent said they would spend a little less.

However, just under a third (29 per cent) said they would spend the same amount this Christmas and 3 per cent said they would spend more.

GfK commercial director James Rudd said: “Christmas is a very important period for retailers and it seems that shoppers are going to be more wary when purchasing this year compared with last year. Retailers will be crossing their fingers and hoping for a strong sales period, despite the current economic climate.”