Strand Street in Douglas is all set for the Christmas season with decorations already displayed in shopfronts.

We asked residents what stores around the island do they prefer when it comes to buying their special gifts for friends and loved ones.

’I usually go to TK Maxx, Topshop, Boots and Marks and Spencer,’ said Billie-Jo Severs, aged 22, from Ramsey.

’It’s quite good Christmas shopping here because it’s not really busy like it is across.

’I’ll do the late night Thursday shopping.

’They’ve kinda made that a big thing here.

’I live up north and like going to Shakti Man and a shop called Tide in Ramsey.

’Depending on the person I’m buying for, I’ll go in there.’

She added: ’I tend to do Christmas shopping than online if it’s specific.’

Jenny Walker, aged 20, from Douglas, said: ’Probably TK Maxx.

’I wouldn’t go to the small ones because they’re more expensive and I feel you can get the same thing online, only a bit cheaper.’

Matthew Gregg, aged 23, from Douglas, said: ’I just shop online for Christmas presents. I don’t think I’ve been to any independent stores here.

’I think it’s better to buy locally but it’s easier to go with the big boys.’

Douglas resident Rob Howland, aged 28, said: ’It tends to be TK Maxx and Marks and Spencer because there’s a wide variety on offer compared to other shops.’

He explained that since these stores have different departments it makes shopping an easier experience.

’I think sometimes when you do your Christmas shopping you’re not sure what you want,’ he said.

When asked if he ever ventures outside of the capital, he replied: ’I don’t. It’s more the convenience thing because I live in Douglas.’

Edwick Matenga, aged 35, from Douglas, said: ’I shop mainly in Strand Street really, such as TK Maxx.

’If I go out it will be to Tynwald Mills sometimes, but I’ve never been anywhere else just to check what they have.’

She and her family love to go shopping on Strand Street when the Christmas lights are up. The Christmas spirit is high so it’s exciting to buy Christmas stuff when all the lights are up.

’That’s where I usually do my [Christmas] shopping anyway and that’s when I do it with the kids.

’My son doesn’t like going Christmas shopping maybe because he’s a bit older.’

She added that she buys most of her presents online.

’It’s because there’s variety there compared to here.

’You can find whatever you want and there’s more choice than there is local.’

Jamie Lang,aged 31, from Ballaugh, said: ’Shakti Man is good for weird and wonderful things.

’It’s a great place for gifts for various people.’

His friend Craig Duncan, 33, from Douglas, said: ’Tynwald Mills is worth an annual visit.’

They agreed that more people shop online for their presents due to it being easier and cheaper.

’People are tight for money now,’ explained Craig.

He added that online shopping makes it difficult for high street stores to survive as they have the additional challenges of rental bills and wet weather conditions.