Last evening saw this year’s last late shop opening in Town. Emma Avery, 7, considers a purchase from Jean Brown and Brian Salmon on the RSPB stall. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0893322)

Creasey’s managing director Tony Creasey said that with three shopping days to Christmas, overall they were pleased with sales.

‘The weather on Saturday was wonderful, which definitely helped. Things have been going reasonably well. We have had a consistent run over the past few weeks,’ he said.

Mr Creasey said the story on the high street was different from shop to shop but for some the year had been better than anticipated.

‘The summer season was acceptable, it could always be better but the cruise ships did make a big difference,’ he said.

He said a trend gathering momentum in the UK to win customers was pre-Christmas sales.

‘We are all exposed to competition both on island and externally with the internet. There is terrific pressure on some retailers who are finding things particularly difficult,’ said Mr Creasey.

Chamber of Commerce retail subcommittee chairman David Falla said late-night shopping had proved particularly successful for St Peter Port retailers.