Exeter shoppers hit the sales

By [hhope] hannah hope

SHOPPERS flocked into Exeter yesterday keen to get stuck into the Boxing Day sales.

Queues formed outside stores, including Boots and Debenhams, as eager customers prepared to snap up bargains.

Exeter University students Pratit Shah, 23, and his friend Sridhar Goparapu, 21, arrived in Exeter at 6am.

Pratit said: "We were expecting more queues, but I think we got in a bit too early as there were only around 10 people milling about.

"So far I have bought a shirt and tie from Debenhams and a top from River Island, where I saved 50 per cent. The sales this year are really good."

Sisters Laura, 19, and Jenny Parkes, 21, were found in River Island, with their arms full of reduced clothing items.

Laura said: "We arrived in Exeter at 9.30am and we came straight to River Island, loads is 50 per cent off. I thought more shops would be open, but at least we are here early to get first dibs.

"I have my Christmas money from relatives to spend in the sales and am looking for an outfit to wear on New Year's Eve."

Debenhams has reductions of up to 70 per cent and is expecting a busy weekend.

Store manager Marcus Harrison, 42, said: "This year is our biggest ever Boxing Day sale. We opened earlier than ever before on a Boxing Day at 7am, rather than 8am, and have made the biggest price chops.

"We have also had 10 per cent more footfall through our doors than last year.

"We are expecting a good Boxing Day and an even better weekend."

The Princesshay and Guildhall shopping centres both opened at 10am.

Guildhall shopping centre manager Andrew McNeilly, 42, was also looking forward to a busy Boxing Day.

He said: "For the last three years the sales have been getting busier year on year.

"In the lead up to Christmas the Guildhall did very well indeed, in fact we were eight per cent up from last year when we were only expecting to break even. I think this year people saved up in September and October so they could splurge on Christmas presents and enjoy the sales."

Despite being tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Princesshay, White Stuff in Gandy Street had attracted a constant stream of customers all day.

White Stuff operations manager Rachel Birtles, 30, said: "We have been busier than last year and have taken more on the till. When we opened this morning there was a queue of 20 people waiting outside.

"We are offering discounts of 25 to 50 per cent, so I think it is safe to say that the weekend will be hectic too."