Fewer retailers are resorting to discounting than at this time last year, according to research by PricewaterhouseCooper.
PwC said less than half (43%) of high street retailers are currently advertising discounts or offering promotions such as 3 for 2 or buy one get one free (bogofs).
This compares to nearly two-thirds (62%) in the same week last year.
Average discounts being offered this week are also lower at 25% , compared to 40% 12 months ago when the grip of the credit crunch was at its tightest.
PwC said retailers had more tightly managed stock levels and were therefore better prepared for Christmas this year, reducing the need to chase footfall and sales as aggressively as last year.
