The firm’s stores across Dundee were flooded with bargain hunters within minutes of the price cuts being introduced and the “hothouse high street” feel was also in evidence in other shops across the city.

The city’s three Woolworths stores were once again very busy as the ailing firm continued its closing down sale.

It is understood extra stock was made available at the stores this morning following the chaotic first day of the sale yesterday, when the firm reported its busiest ever trading day.

The uncertain economic climate has forced many retailers into drastic action to attract customers, with discounts unheard of for this time of the year available.

Debenhams, Marks & Spencer and many other major stores have all been dropping prices.

But Wellgate centre manager John Morton today said shops in the centre were enjoying a brisk trade.

“We’re very busy and Woolworths has been particularly busy,” he said.

“I went down yesterday and things were moving very quickly.”

Mr Morton added that he did not believe shoppers had been deterred by the credit crunch.

He said, “The Wellgate is as busy as I’d hoped and is just as busy as in the past.”

Overgate Centre manager Karen Stewart said she was “absolutely delighted” with Christmas sales so far.

But Peter Leyland, chairman of the Dundee City Centre Action Group, warned the impact of the price discounting may not be known until next year.

He said, “It is a real rollercoaster and I think people have read all the doom and gloom stories and believed them. I don’t think it’s going to stop anyone from buying — they are just looking for bargains.

“I think the High Street will suffer in the end. Prices have gone down but the costs for all the shops have remained the same.

“There will no doubt be a day of reckoning eventually.”

However, Mr Leyland added that the bargains did seem to be encouraging shoppers to come out to the High Street.

“We are expecting a very busy weekend. Everyone is out looking for a bargain,” he said.

As busy as Dundee’s shops were, it was business as usual at Tesco in Kirkcaldy town centre, while there was little sign of the bargain-hunting frenzy at Perth’s main two Tesco stores.