Retailers can look forward to a bumper Christmas this year, with sales set to enjoy the strongest growth since pre-recession 2007.
That's the prediction from Verdict as we head into the festive fourth quarter, which will see consumers spend a total of £88.4bn - £1.95bn more than last year.

Verdict's forecast of 2.2% year-on-year growth in Q4 leaves the last few years' Christmasses in the shade. It compares with growth of just 1.3% in 2012, 0.8% in 2011, 1.4% in 2010, -0.3% in 2009 and 1.7% in 2008.

DIY and gardening products are set to grow 1.67%, says Verdict, and electrical goods 1.57%, with homewares putting on 1.99%. Top of the list are food and grocery, hoping for 3.84% growth, health and beauty, 3.24% and clothing and footwear, 3.15%. At the other end of the scale, only 0.31% growth is predicted for furniture and floorcoverings.

Ecommerce is forecast to get 13.2% of the total spend, and Verdict says expect to see December 23 become Mad Monday, as click-and-collect shoppers pick up their purchases at the last minute.

Do you think Verdict has got it right? Go to our poll and tell us whether you think it's going to be a merry Christmas.