Even the snow failed to put shoppers off

He said: "Things are absolutely crazy with about 35% more people coming through the doors and profits up between 15 to 20% on last year, it is such good news."

Mr Millar said consumers seemed to have been encouraged to spend more this festive season because of the current low interest and credit rates.

"There is certainly a feeling of excitement and people are willing to dig deeper to buy all sorts of things this year," he added.

Bob Baldry, general manager at the Braehead Centre, near Glasgow, revealed turnover had increased by 30% on 2000.

'Pulling in crowds'

"All our shops are extremely busy, in fact most are bulging along with the car parks," he said.

"The entire week has been a very successful one for traders who have told me they are over the moon with the way things have gone."

Shoppers in the Scottish capital were also out in force, with some stores recording lengthy queues outside as early as 0630 GMT.

Susan Nicol, business director at Edinburgh's Gyle Centre, said: "The food shops are having a great day, with shops like Marks and Spencers really pulling in the crowds."

Ginny Jackson warned against spending too much

Ms Nicol added: "I don't know if it is because of recent tragic events in the US or all the talk of the recession, but people seem more willing to spend at the moment."

It was the same story in Aberdeen, where snow-covered roads failed to dampen the spirit of shoppers in the north-east.

Aileen Adam, duty manager at the city's Bon Accord Centre, said 6% more shoppers had visited the mall this festive season.

However, Ginny Jackson, of Citizens Advice Scotland, said she was concerned about people overstretching themselves.

She said: "Shoppers are being encouraged to spend to actually support the economy.

"Unfortunately not everybody is in a position to spend very much money because a lot of people are living on a very low income and that kind of pressure can lead them into serious difficulties, financial difficulties."