IT'S official – the countdown to Christmas has begun and shoppers are making a dash to deck the halls.
Retailers at Nottingham's Winter Wonderland in the Old Market Square say trade has been booming since Saturday – with hundreds of shoppers buying Christmas decorations, scented wreathes and fake snow.
Ian Ferron, 36, of West Bridgford, said he would be putting his decorations up this week, with the help of his son Adam, six, and Eliska, two. He added: "We've got a lot of decorations including stockings, hanging snowflakes, musical playing Santa's and snowmen and a six-and-a-half foot tree. It's starting to feel Christmassy."
Adam said: "I have made some paper chains to go on the wall and tree. I am excited about getting new toys."
Mark Chowdhury, owner of The Old Grain Store, has a stall on the Christmas market. He said his best seller so far has been a talking mouse which repeats what you say.
He said: "It got really busy on Saturday because people are getting Christmassy now. The whole market has got everyone going. It's good fun."
Craig Price, who helps out at his brother's Jormaepourri scented wreath stall, added: "Up until Saturday we were quite slow but it has been getting really busy since. It's because it is the first week of December and everyone is getting into the spirit. I have been hearing people walking past singing Christmas songs!"
Shane Keep, assistant manager at Poundworld, in Milton Street, said: "It has just been pay day and people want to go Christmas shopping. Our best sellers are items from our Disney's Frozen range. In the space of two weeks we have sold 1,600 mugs."
