Boxing Day bargain hunters eagerly await shops opening

A modern-day tradition for some, the Boxing Day sales take place across the country.

Although some UK-based retailers were open from 9am, many did not open until 10am, if at all.

However, shops including Next, Monsoon, New Look and Accesorize were open offering discounts of at least 50% off on some items.

Shopper Julie Herpe, 51, said at around 9am there were not as many people around this year. ‘I usually come each year, there are probably less people, less shops are open and a lot of them don’t open until 10am. I usually go into Boots, I normally buy some ‘‘smellies’’ for presents next year.

‘It’s part of my tradition now and I enjoy it, I’ll always come to the sales,’ she said.

Jane Goddard, 51, said she and her daughter would also be waiting for Boots to open to do the majority of their shopping.

‘I come to the sales every year. I usually do a quick in and out rather than spend all day, it’s not presents, just treats for myself,’ she said.

Another shopper who did not want to be named said she relied on the sales to buy belated Christmas presents for her large family.

‘I usually come down every year but there’s not much open so far. I get enough presents to fill 11 sacks, we’ve just been to Boots and now we’ll have to try and see if there’s somewhere open for a cup of tea,’ she said.