Sales revival raises bonanza hopes for stores
Winter sales appear to have finally given retailers something to celebrate.
Bargain hunters have been out in force across the country with popular shopping destinations reporting brisk trade.
Retailers will be hoping the rush to the shops is not short-lived as many attempt to make up for lacklustre sales in the run-up to Christmas.
The number of people visiting shops that were open on Boxing Day was up 8.6% on last year, according to analysts FootFall.
The positive note contrasts with visitor numbers before Christmas which were generally down on 2001.
Even Christmas Eve, when stores would expect a late surge, reported 11.3% fewer visitors.
David Smyth, from FootFall, said: "New prices have been slashed as the sales start. It will be interesting to see whether this massive increase in the number of people on Boxing Day will continue over the first course of the sales."
