Shops report record numbers of bargain hunters in post Christmas sales
December 29, 2009
Massive discounts and the rise in VAT on January 1st have caused record numbers of bargain hunters to hit the country’s high streets and shopping centres. Figures for those seeking out cut price deals on Sunday were up a staggering 17.9 percent on last year. London’s Brent Cross shopping centre broke all records on Sunday as 16,000 shoppers passed through its doors in the first hour. This is the largest number of customers Brent Cross has seen since it was opened in 1976. The centre’s marketing director, Norman Black said that the place was crammed with shoppers. He said that they expected around 90,000 visitors and pointed out that this was the equivalent to filling Wembley football stadium. He said that he was stunned by the numbers of people crowding through the doors but also said that it was very good news.
British Retail Consortium spokesman, Richard Dodd said that the post Christmas turnout could well be the biggest he has ever seen. He pointed out that one of the reasons so many people were hitting the shops could be to do with the record number of bargains being pushed out by retailers who have struggled during the economic downturn and are desperate to encourage people back through their doors.
Director of operations at the Trafford Centre near Manchester, Gordon McKinnon said that Sunday’s trading was up by 25 percent on last year within just a few hours. He too said the amount of shoppers visiting the centre was amazing pointing out that people had not come to browse but to spend their money.
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