On Monday, the first day back to work for many after the Christmas break, the main parties stepped up the pre-election campaign with a row about tax and spending.

BBC: Labour cannot rely on core vote alone, says Mandelson

As expected, shoppers came out in full force on the day after Christmas because it fell on a Monday for the first time in six years, ShopperTrak said.

FORBES: Weekly Holiday Sales Hit $44 Billion