The Dutch bought their Sinterklaas presents earlier than usual this year, the Dutch payment association Betaalvereninging has said. Last Thursday was most profitable for retailers both in the high street and online.

On Thursday, retailers clocked up 15% more sales while online shops saw an increase of 10% on a normal Thursday.

The association said the surge in sales was probably prompted by Black Friday offers. In a normal year Sinterklaas presents are usually bought on the Saturday before December 5 or on the day itself.

Although most presents will have been bought, the association is expecting a last minute rush before Monday night’s festivities.