Toys, health and beauty products, books and electronic gadgets are at the top of Oxford shoppers’ Christmas lists as retailers report a late spending surge on the high street.

Shops say there was a slow start to the festive season amid fears over the economy, but it began to pick up on Monday, December 5.

Yesterday Brendan Hattam, manager of the city’s Westgate Shopping Centre, said: “Footfall was up 3.7 per cent on last year for the week beginning December 5.

“How that will translate into turnover we don’t know yet, but of course we are ever hopeful.”

“We have a range of stores here that are attractive in this climate, for example Primark and Poundland.”

It seems more people are preferring plastic to cash as they count the cost of the festive season.

A YouGov online poll found this week that 31 per cent of UK shoppers will take on extra borrowing – with 58 per cent of those buying by credit card and another 39 per cent running up overdrafts.

Mr Hattam added: “A lot of customers are using credit cards, but it’s too early to give any statistics.”

This week, retail expert and TV presenter Mary Portas said that city centres up and down the nation were “sick” or “dying”.

And Graham Jones, spokesman for Oxford’s High Street Business Association, said that parking restrictions in Oxford needed reviewing if the city centre was to thrive.

However, crowds of shoppers in Oxford city centre mirror the national picture in which giant online retailer Amazon.co.uk saw its busiest day ever on “Cyber Monday,” December 5, while John Lewis recorded its highest weekly sales figures ever last week.

Mr Jones said: “The surge in sales has come later this year, but of course there was snow last year which caused havoc.

“We have to accept the online sales trend is making big inroads into the Oxford retail scene, but there are a lot of areas where you need to see things in real life such as food, while with clothes you really need to try before you buy.”

Jonathan Reynolds, academic director at Oxford University’s Institute of Retail Management, said: “Against this surge of Christmas shopping that has come late we should remember that total sales between November 2010 and November 2011 are down 1.6 per cent.

“And even online sales were merely flatlining in that period.

“Oxford was teeming with people last week and more still are expected this weekend, which will be critical in terms of finding out how much increased footfall can be translated into actual spending. It’s a tale of two households. If you’ve lost your job you can’t spend much, but what you spend is likely to be on food.

“People are determined to treat themselves and push the boat out at Christmas.”

YOUR VIEW: “I have bought a jumper and two books. I am probably spending about the same as last year.” Valerie Brownsword, 63, West Hagbourne, retired “I have bought perfume, dressing gown and a model for a train set. I seem to be spending more this year. I think I’ve gone a bit wild.” Stephen Skyrme, 26, Carterton, chef “I have bought some venison and pheasant breast for Boxing Day. I am definitely spending less this year.” Julie Davies, 53, Didcot, housewife “I haven’t made any particular effort to spend less this year.” Jane Holmes, 47, Marston, college accounts staff