Last minute shoppers are putting a hectic strain on Hamilton retailers in the throes of another busy Christmas period.

And some believe it is the busiest they've seen in many years, with more purchasing than in recent years, even though buying patterns may have changed.

The news comes as new Government figures show the total value of retail sales for the month of October increased 4.4 percent over the same period in 1997, as shoppers spent an additional $2.1 million.

But with the 2.1 percent inflation adjustment, the adjusted increase in the volume of retail sales stood at 2.3 percent.

A breakdown of the figures showed that after two months of declining sales in the motor vehicle and service station sector, the sector bounced back with a 13.6 percent increase.

But sales in general, stores fell 2.6 percent and those catering specifically to tourists had declining sales revenue. Clothing retailers blame that on the good weather which depressed the demand for heavier clothing they stocked for this period.

But Marius Dier of Island Satellite Systems conceded buying was at the best level he's seen in a long time.

He said, "If you are in the right business and have the right stuff, you have done well this year. "For us, it started early in the month and kept going.

Normally, there is just a late rush in the last week before Christmas, but a lull before that.

"But this year for us, it started at the beginning of December and was strong all the way through.

"People have bought a lot of games, hardware and software, the play stations, the Nintendo 64s.

"Cellular `phones have been big. Satellite systems have been big and then there are a number of other things like organisers, televisions and VCRs, quite a few DVDs.'' The Harbour Master, which retails leather goods at two Hamilton outlets, has also seen good Christmas receipts.

Sheilagh Robertson, who has operated the store for nearly 24 years, said, "We've had a very good Christmas. It's been busy everyday and people seemed to start shopping early.

"Overall this year's sales have been better. There was a period of several years recently were sales were pretty flat. This year things really picked up.'' Ellen Brown of The Body Shop said sales started slowly at the beginning of the month, but picked up speed considerably in the last two to three weeks.

She said, "I have no complaints about retail sales. People seem to be looking more for stocking stuffers and, men of course, are the last ones to shop. So today and tomorrow (Thursday) it will be mostly men shopping.

Retailers rushed off feet by shopping boom "We are not open late at night because my staff are pretty tired. We pushed physically so hard in here, and when we wind down our day, we have to fill in, stock up, sweep and do what ever else.

"My staff are pretty tired by that time. We close at 5pm and by the time we get out it is getting up to 6pm. I can't expect them to do any more than they are doing. Everybody's pushed.

"Right now, I have a staff of 11 to 14. Just four are full time. Most are part time for Christmas.'' Anthony Smith of A.F. Smith Trading said that sales had been quite brisk.

He said, "We had a lot of special offers on small home/office furniture, and they were well received. It's the Christmas season and we don't normally expect a great rush for our merchandise at this time. But people are buying furniture for home computers for their friends and loved ones.

"Our shelves today were a lot emptier than they were a few weeks ago.'' This view is backed up by figures that show even in October an increase in furniture sales, due to strong demand for office furniture.

David Hamshere of TESS Ltd., which runs the most retail outlets under one group including English Sports Shop and St. Michael's, concedes the warm weather of late has hurt clothing sales.

He said, "It hasn't helped the clothing retailer who has made provisions for cooler, damper and rainier weather.

"But St. Michael's has been busy, especially with the grocery section that we've opened. We've got a better product mix now and that department is doing extremely well, especially in the food section.

"But for the month, the clothing side will be soft. There haven't been that many tourists and the weather has been against us. There has been no need for gloves, sweaters and scarves.'' Retailers rushed off feet by shopping boom "We are not open late at night because my staff are pretty tired. We pushed physically so hard in here, and when we wind down our day, we have to fill in, stock up, sweep and do what ever else.

"My staff are pretty tired by that time. We close at 5pm and by the time we get out it is getting up to 6pm. I can't expect them to do any more than they are doing. Everybody's pushed.

"Right now, I have a staff of 11 to 14. Just four are full time. Most are part time for Christmas.'' Anthony Smith of A.F. Smith Trading said that sales had been quite brisk.

He said, "We had a lot of special offers on small home/office furniture, and they were well received. It's the Christmas season and we don't normally expect a great rush for our merchandise at this time. But people are buying furniture for home computers for their friends and loved ones.

"Our shelves today were a lot emptier than they were a few weeks ago.'' This view is backed up by figures that show even in October an increase in furniture sales, due to strong demand for office furniture.

David Hamshere of TESS Ltd., which runs the most retail outlets under one group including English Sports Shop and St. Michael's, concedes the warm weather of late has hurt clothing sales.

He said, "It hasn't helped the clothing retailer who has made provisions for cooler, damper and rainier weather.

"But St. Michael's has been busy, especially with the grocery section that we've opened. We've got a better product mix now and that department is doing extremely well, especially in the food section.

"But for the month, the clothing side will be soft. There haven't been that many tourists and the weather has been against us. There has been no need for gloves, sweaters and scarves.'' IN THE SPIRIT -- Shoppers hunt for gifts at the Phoenix store.