CHRISTMAS shoppers showed signs of slowing down in York, as traders experienced a quiet weekend before the hoped-for surge in activity this week.

Shops in York city centre were still busy, but some store managers said they had expected to be busier than they were on Saturday and Sunday.

However most were anticipating a hectic Christmas Eve as last-minute shoppers make a dash to the high street.

Samantha Franks, senior sales and security officer at Next in Coney Street, said yesterday had been relatively quiet.

She said: "It was quieter yesterday, which was good because a lot of my staff phoned in sick.

"It was a lot quieter than it has been on a Sunday.

"I think a lot of people are all shopped out and ready for Christmas. However it has been manic up to now."

Mike Parkes, manager of WH Smith in Coney Street, said the weekend had provided a lull before the expected storm.

He said: "Saturday was busy, but it wasn't manic, whereas we may have expected it to be.

"Yesterday was possibly busier but again, we were expecting it to be slightly busier.

"I feel there's still a lot of trade to come today and tomorrow, from everybody, not just the men.

"From my discussions with the customers people still have a lot more shopping to do and we are holding our breath for later in the week.

"We also find Boxing Day surprisingly busy."

Updated: 11:32 Monday, December 23, 2002