Debenhams extends pre Christmas sale

LONDON (Reuters) - Department store group Debenhams has extended its pre-Christmas sale by another two days, underscoring retailers' worries about the weakness of consumer spending as the economy slides into recession.

The second-biggest department store chain said it was extending a three-day "Christmas Shopping Spectacular" to include the weekend.

"We've seen more customers through the door, and more and more asking why the offers stopped on Friday night -- so we thought we'd say thank you by extending over the weekend," Michael Sharp, deputy chief executive, said in a statement.

Debenhams said it was investing 200 million pounds in the price cuts, in a move mirrored by other major store groups.

Marks and Spencer, the biggest clothing retailer, held a one-day "20 percent off" sale on Thursday, offering the reduction on clothing, homewares and wine.

A spokeswoman declined to comment on whether the firm was planning another such sale, but said it would continue with selected promotions this weekend, such as 20 percent off partywear and dresses and its "Dine In For Two for 10 Pounds."

Department stores group Bhs, owned by billionaire retailer Philip Green, held a "20 percent off" sale on Friday which continues on Saturday.

Other parts of his retail empire, including the Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Evans and Wallis chains, have also held sales offering 20 percent discounts.

Retailers are worried that shoppers are cutting back sharply on spending amid an economic slowdown and rising unemployment.