Retailers are hoping shoppers will hit the high street in force this weekend for a frantic burst of shopping before Christmas.

Experts predict people will head to the stores to ensure they have gifts in time for the big day in case items ordered online do not arrive.

A PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) study found that many shops have promotions to tempt consumers.

Three-quarters (75%) of 100 high-street retailers surveyed have sales or advertising promotions in their shop windows, according to PwC's last retail round-up before Christmas, up from 72% last year.

Average price discounts being advertised were 45%, almost the same as the 46% seen last year.

Compared to this time last week, advertised promotions are up 9% and average price discounts are up 6%.

Martin Cowie, private business leader, PwC in Scotland, said: "Things may have levelled off a little since the recent frenzied Black Friday weekend, however as we all get ready for that frantic last weekend of shopping before Christmas day, promotional intensity is heating up again.

"Many Scottish retailers will be hoping for a strong finish to their festive sales season while consumers will be searching for that perfect gifting bargain.

"Some of the sales uplift seen by retailers that weekend will have been the result of customers bringing forward planned spending to take advantage of special offers, which might explain the relative weakness in performance in recent weeks.

"As a result of this, we're now seeing an increased level of discounting as retailers try to re-stimulate demand.

"In the last couple of weeks, we've also seen online distribution systems stretched to their limits by the growth in online sales, resulting in growing customer anxiety over whether goods will arrive in time for the big day.

"This may well play into the hands of the high street and we expect to see a return to shopping in stores, particularly as it gets closer to Christmas and online shopping activity is no longer a threat."

He added: "Whether it's online or in-store, expect to see further sale activity in the final three days as savvy last-minute shoppers hold out for pre-Christmas bargains."

Shopping centres are expecting a busy weekend as customers finish their Christmas shopping.

Gary Turnbull, general manager (operations) at intu Braehead, Glasgow, said: "We're expecting the sound of tills ringing like the proverbial jingle bells to reach a crescendo in this, the last weekend before Christmas.

"It will undoubtedly be the busiest weekend for shopping this year, even though more shoppers than ever have been taking advantage of our midnight opening.

"Our midnight opening, which continues until December 23, has been hugely popular as it means gift hunters have been able to keep up with the soaps on the TV and then head out for some Christmas shopping afterwards."

Other shopping centres have also extended opening hours and some have taken on extra staff.

David Pierotti, general manager of Silverburn, Glasgow, said "We expect a really busy weekend, queues are inevitable at this time of year, but the extra measures put in place have made a real difference to the customer experience as well as spread some festive cheer at busier times.

"Shoppers can visit the mall at a time of their convenience thanks to our extended opening hours.

"We have 4,500 free parking spaces and our stores have employed 100 extra staff which has helped with queues and customer service in the shops."

Ryan Manson, general manager of Union Square, Aberdeen, said: "We expect a really busy weekend at Union Square, we've extended our opening hours and have 1,700 car parking places to make shopping easier for our visitors.

"We're expecting the few remaining days of Christmas shopping to be busy as Aberdonians snap up last-minute gifts, food and drink."