MEN are forsaking packed city centre streets in favour of supermarkets and online shopping for their Christmas presents, a new survey claims.

But York traders have dismissed the findings of the Christmas survey by business analysts Deloitte & Touche, which suggests that men are dumping the traditional last-minute rush to get presents and are instead going online to stock up on gifts.

The survey revealed the internet will be a shopping saviour for seven out of ten people who are using technology to avoid High Street chaos. But, while Deloitte & Touche claim the study findings are a wake-up call for retailers, York shops and businesses are saying the findings do not apply to them. Adam Sinclair, chairman of York Chamber of Trade, said that while he had no doubt the statistics were true worldwide, they did not apply to the city.

"In York city centre terms, we are still seeing the attractions of the unique and historic Christmas shopping environment," he said.

"People have been flocking to this in October and November irrespective of gender."

Britons are set to spend an average of £319 per person on gifts, with another £159 on food and drink and a further £136 on socialising.

Katherine Hague, at Monks Cross, said: "As Christmas shopping has only just begun, it's difficult to get a complete handle on it. Our historic shopper profile is a woman, between 25 and 45, especially during the week. At the weekends, we do tend to see a lot more families.

"Internet shopping is convenient and that will appeal to men who can press a few buttons and wait for something to appear at their door."

Diana Golding, of York's Coppergate Centre, said: "There is absolutely no evidence of this trend at the moment. Retailers are all reporting good sales figures."

Updated: 10:37 Tuesday, November 30, 2004