Sale of the Century

 

{mosimage}2005 has proved to be a tough old time in retail and although the Christmas rush somewhat improved the situation many shops started to slash prices weeks before the usual Boxing Day kick off.

 

 

It’s safe to say that by the 29^th December the majority of sales are well under way from the likes of Top Shop to Liberty’s. One of the UK’s biggest shopping centres – Bluewater in Kent, opened its sale doors on Tuesday to thousands of bargain hungry shoppers. The centre opened at 5am but by 3am a queue was already starting to form outside. The Next store proved particularly popular with people literally running into the shop once the doors were opened.

 

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Other retailers reporting on sales success include Marks & Spencer and John Lewis. The latter is the first major retailer to release its sales figures over the Christmas period – it saw an increase on last year by 11.7% for the month until 24^th December. Retail analysts remain cautious and have said that while sales may be significantly up, actual profits are likely to be limited with such aggressive discounts affecting margins.

 

 

With so many retailers keen to do business Boxing Day footfall was up approximately 17.3 per cent on last year according to British counting and tracking systems specialists SPSL. Retailers up and down the country must be sighing with relief, albeit for the moment.

 

 

Savvy shoppers, meanwhile, are picking up goods for at least half the original price, even those not prepared to jostle for discounts are finding plenty of great deals online. From Harrods to Zara, the majority of retailers are in full sales swing, there are those, however, that have yet to start…

 

 

Winter Sales Listings – for those retailers yet to join in with sales mania…

 

Back in 10 Minutes Online Shop from Bread & Honey – starts 3^rd January

www.backin10minutes.com

 

Chanel – starts 2^nd January

26 Old Bond St, W1

 

Hoxton Boutique – starts 3^rd January

2 Hoxton Street, N1

 

Maharishi – starts 2^nd January

19a Floral St, WC2

 

Manolo Blahnik – starts 6^th January

49-51 Old Church Street, SW3

 

Myla – starts 4^th January

77, Lonsdale Rd, W11

 

Tatty Devine – starts 9^th January

57b Brewer Street, W1

 

Willma – starts 6^th January

339 Portobello Rd, W11

 

Happy Sales Shopping!

 

 

JoJo Iles