Fewer gifts than last year may be lying under Christmas trees on December 25, but there is unlikely to be any skimping on Christmas dinners because of the bad weather, retail analysts say.

The return of snow and ice to London at the weekend was a blow for high street retailers, stopping people from making it to the shops on what would have been the biggest trading day of the year.

Takings were down by about 10 per cent at retail giant John Lewis, which closed two of its 32 stores because of the weather, deterring countless shoppers.

The department store had been on course to sell a record-breaking £125 million-worth of stock in the week to Saturday.

Internet sales have also been hit. Many have been reluctant to buy online out of concern their orders will not be delivered in time for Christmas, according to IHS Global Insight economist Howard Archer.

For small businesses, absent staff is a big problem.

Mr Archer said: “Even the loss of a few employees may have to result in a complete shutdown if there is not enough staff to operate.”

The news is not all grim for retailers. Of 1,007 shoppers surveyed by IGD Retail Analysis last month, 75 per cent say they will spend more on their Christmas meal this year than last.

By contrast, around a third (36 per cent) will spend less on Christmas presents and 33 per cent will not spend as much on going out to restaurants and pubs.

“The wintery weather means shoppers are likely to go out less and to concentrate on food shopping,” IGD chief executive officer Joanne Denney-Finch said.

“If they’re already at the supermarket they may choose to do the majority of their Christmas spending there, including on presents.”