Barbie still Xmas Queen in Majorca

El Corte Inglés' public relations director Pep Ramis said yesterday that their best seller has been Play Station 2, so much so they have nearly run out of stock at times.

However, Scalextric has made a big come back this year to become the second most popular toy. Barbie is still queen, although perhaps not the one specially designed by Versace.

Ramis also said that this year, more than ever, there has been a huge demand for digital cameras, palms and lap top computers. He also pointed that there has been a boom on male cosmetics while sales of the traditional handbags, scarves, ties, watches etc. have been as expected. Ramis believes this year's Christmas sales drive will post better results than last year.

At Carrefour, electronic and digital goods, in particular LCD and plasma television sets and DVD recorders, have been in big demand as well. But the three big sellers have been mp3s, Barbie and radio-controlled cars.

The hypermarket is confident that it will also beat last year's Christmas sales results with the music, perfume and lingerie departments enjoying more business than usual.

However, while the department stores and hypermarkets enjoy a merry Christmas, on the high street it is a different Christmas tale. Small shopkeepers are complaining that sales are slow and possibly down on last year despite the festive sales campaign in Palma city centre.

Last Sunday, for example, while the high street was relatively quiet in Palma, despite most shops being open until early evening, the hypermarkets and department stores enjoyed a brisk day's trading.

But whereever they were bought, we now have a good idea of what the popular gift ideas have been this year. Perhaps the top selling presents were high on your list to Santa Claus.

All will be revealed over the next 24 hours.