There has been a record number of shoppers hitting Glasgow city centre in the run-up to Christmas.

Year-on-year footfall in the city centre for the pre-Christmas shopping period, between November 25 and December 19, rose by more than 113,000 to 4.7 million people - more than the populations of Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle combined.

Retailers have also reported extremely strong trading, both in the run up to Christmas and across the Boxing Day sales.

Sales at John Lewis Glasgow were up 6.6 per cent on last year in the three days before Christmas while retailers in the city's Princes Square have reported their busiest sales period for years as consumers try to bag a bargain.

Glasgow City Marketing Bureau (GCMB) believes the strength of the city's festive marketing campaign, Glasgow Loves Christmas, combined with retailers extending their opening hours to 7pm on weeknights has had a positive impact on festive trading.

Scott Taylor, Chief Executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: "Glasgow has enjoyed a record Christmas trading period. The city's retailers, together with our restaurants, hotels and operators across the tourism and leisure sectors, have made a clear statement that Glasgow is open for business and Glaswegians and visitors alike have been drawn by the strength of the city's festive offering.

"Retailers benefited from a spell of mild weather in the lead up to Christmas, which encouraged shoppers to get out onto the style mile early, while the decision by more than 200 city centre retailers to stay open later has proved to be the right one; giving shoppers the chance to browse and buy longer. This in turn has undoubtedly had a positive knock on effect for the city's restaurants, which have seen a strong jump in revenue.

"Additionally, since early November, our Glasgow Loves Christmas marketing campaign has delivered extensive exposure across TV, radio, print and outdoor advertising, positioning the city as a must-visit destination for shoppers and festive revellers across the central belt."

It has also been reported that restaurant revenue is also up 3 per cent on 2012.

Ryan James, Chairman of the Glasgow Restaurant Association (GRA), said: "The general consensus among members is that trade has been better than it has been for years across both Christmas parties and festive dining. Hogmanay bookings are also up with more people choosing to come into the city centre to enjoy a meal rather than stay at home.

"Extended store opening hours has also been great news for Glasgow's night-time economy as its enticed shoppers, visitors and people finishing work to remain in the city centre for dinner or a few drinks, especially over the festive period."