Shoppers out in force to bag a bargain as prices down by 75%

IT may not be everyone's idea of a relaxing Boxing Day. But thousands of bargain-hunters hit the streets of Edinburgh yesterday as stores slashed prices by up to 75 per cent, hoping to tempt shoppers back after a difficult festive season.

Hundreds had queued in the darkness to ensure they were first in line when the first shops threw open their doors open at 7am.

Harvey Nichols general manager Gordon Drummond said it was the busiest he had ever seen.

"I think it worked in our favour because we did not start our sale until Boxing Day while other stores have been discounting throughout December.

"Our figures now are better than at this point last year and it has certainly been a busy day. The staff will be looking forward to getting a breather."

He said the most popular items included Gucci and Prada handbags at up to 50 per cent discount. Mr Drummond added: "We have had some squabbling over bags but nothing serious and we haven't had to split anyone up yet."

Although some chains opened their doors earlier than normal, it was mid-morning before Princes Street became busy. Numbers were also steady at the Gyle, with queues outside some shops well before 9am.

Fiona Moriarty, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said it was especially important for shops to have a successful sale this year. They will be hoping to make up profits following a poor start to the festive season. She said: "This started out as a very slow-burning December. Trade only really began to pick up about ten days before Christmas.

"But early indications are that sales yesterday have been very, very strong. I expect this will continue over the weekend.

"It's a great time to be a shopper. People are very price conscious at the moment, and there are very high levels of discounting."


WHERE TO FIND THE BEST DEALS

THERE are plenty of bargains around for those with spare cash to spend.

• Debenhams has reduced many items by 70 per cent. A five-piece stainless steel pan set was reduced from £170 to £50, and a set of two brown leather sofas was reduced from £1999 to £799. A Faith handbag went from £45 to £10, while many dresses and shoes were half price.

• Marks &Spencer begins its sale today, with offers including cashmere hooded tops reduced from £99 to £35.

• Harvey Nichols has Gucci and Prada handbags at up to a 50 per cent discount.

• At Next, ladies' evening dresses and shoes are reduced by at least 50 per cent. Men can pick up a dark grey suit jacket reduced from £140 to £60, or Lacoste trainers reduced from £60 to £30.

• At John Lewis, a Pure digital clock radio is reduced from £69 to £48.50.


'Everyone's been friendly even though it's so busy'

How did you find the sales?

Sophia Deedes, 19, student, city centre: "It's been quite busy but not too manic. I want to check out the sale in Jack Wills but the queue is out the door. Harvey Nichols has some stuff up to 75 per cent off but nothing took my fancy in there."

Lisa Galway, 18, student, Blackhall: "I've been in town since 9am just checking everything out. HMV had some really good stuff on sale but the shoe shops have been the best. The only disappointment is no one has got Uggs on sale."

Anna Galway, 30, Administration, Leith: "I'm not too impressed so far. The really good sales will be at M&S and John Lewis. The best service today, though, has been in Monsoon. The ladies there were very courteous even though it was mobbed."

Sally Cameron, 43, beauty therapist, Heriot Row: "I got some jeans and a lovely dress but the best deals were in Jaeger in Jenners – lots of lovely trinkets that are completely unnecessary but very nice."

Neil Robinson, 31, postman, Portobello, pictured: "We've been in the St James Centre. The highlight so far is that everyone has been really friendly even though it's so busy."

Shaun McAndrew, 26, joiner, Currie: "I got a good deal on some shoes and a shirt. I think the best sale was in Next - most things were half price. We're just off for some lunch and then back into the fray."