CHRISTMAS should be a boom time for high street shops - but with consumers feeling the pinch there are worries about a slowdown in the run-up to the festive season in York.

The concern comes as a survey by analysts Footfall revealed that nationally there were 6.5 per cent fewer visits to shops last weekend at the same time last year.

Manjeet Dhokia, deputy manager of Dixons, in Coney Street, said: "It's been strange. We've had rush periods, but then we have had a couple of days when it's been really quiet.

"We opened late last Thursday night, but it was so quiet it seemed pointless staying open. What's going to happen, I have no idea.

"Maybe people aren't spending as much as they usually do. That said, some parents come in with their kids and spend an absolute fortune on them. Others come in and browse, and then say it's cheaper on our website."

Adam Sinclair, chairman of the York Chamber of Trade, said: "My impression is that the national consumer economy continues to be tight because of high levels of taxation and debt, and decreasing confidence in the housing market.

"I think that York is presenting itself very well and is getting more than its fair share of trade.

"It is a beautiful Christmas environment with the lights and the Christmas fayre. As we speak, York is attracting new retail names such as Zara, H&M and Jigsaw.

"As well as low consumer confidence, more and more of each household's expenditure is going online, which makes it tough on high street traders - especially independent traders who can't afford an online presence."

York does have the advantage of being a large tourist destination, which brings shoppers into the city centre.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of York Tourism Board, said: "The last few weeks have been very busy in the visitor information centre and we have had a similar number of people booking to last year.

"We are definitely not up, but there is not much cause for concern.

"We have a strong tourism product so we tend to survive the fluctuations that other cities have."

Will people be spending more this Christmas?

Hannah Lowe, 18, of Haxby, York, said: "I'll be spending more this year because prices have gone up. I'll get some presents on the internet."

Jeanette Green, 33, of Wigginton, York, said: "I've spent about the same as last year. I've bought all my gifts - I got them in York city centre."

Tasha Speck, 17, of Huntington, York, said: "I'm spending more because I'm on a better wage this year. I don't think Christmas shopping is very good in York."

Lucy Fillingham, 17, of Dringhouses, York, said: "I'll be spending less because I've got my little girl to look after this year. I won't be using the internet."

Updated: 10:10 Friday, December 02, 2005