CHRISTMAS shopping is expected to reach a peak this weekend as last minute present buyers head out to grab a gift.

Across the country stores are braced for what's being branded as 'panic Saturday', when an estimated 13 million consumers will spend £2.1 million for every minute shops are open.

On average each person will spend £92.31, according to a report by the Centre for Retail Research for Vouchercodes.co.uk.

Traditionally men were labelled as the last minute shoppers but delayed fulfilment of online orders, poor weather in some areas and earlier sales are expected to drive 60.9 million shoppers to the high street between Saturday and Christmas Eve, up 14 percent on last year.

The scene is expected to be much the same in Worcester and stores are getting ready for the onslaught of last minute shoppers.

Corinne Tovey, from jewellery store Fatlip, in Broad Street, said: "It has been extremely busy. This happens every year. We will be absolutely blasted.

"This week so far we have seen more men coming in. Normally it's a Christmas Eve joke but we have seen a lot this year so I would say they are a lot more organised."

Mums and dads will also be out and about getting their little ones gifts and The Entertainer Toy Shop in the Shambles is ready.

"I think now the kids have broken up from school and people are finishing work that means this weekend will be very busy," said general manager David Rhydderch.

"I think next week will be busy as well. The last minute present buying by the men will be next week I think. At the moment we are looking at more families coming in.

"We have still got a lot offers on in store and plenty of stock coming in."

CrownGate Shopping Centre is also prepared.

Ramsay Floyd, manager, said: "We have seen a marked increase in shoppers over the last few days across the shopping centre, however the stores are more than prepared for the extra people, with additional staff and sufficient levels of stock.

"It’s always interesting how many people still leave their shopping until the very last minute, particularly the guys, who tend to look for cosmetics, lingerie and fragrances.

"At least at CrownGate, you’re guaranteed to find something suitable for anyone, no matter how difficult they are to buy for."

But not all shops were expecting their busiest weekend.

Clive Brown, general manager at Worcester Sony Centre, in the Shambles, said he wasn't expecting to be as busy as black Friday or the Boxing Day sales.

"We are hoping it will be busy," he said. "But I don't think anything will beat the black Friday weekend. We were absolutely rammed. I think this weekend will be more stocking fillers."