Crowds line up for the sales
SALES ATTRACT HUNDREDS OF CUSTOMERS
HUNDREDS of shoppers set their alarms early to be among the first into Leicester city centre for the Boxing Day sales.
By 6am, a long queue had formed around the block from the branch of Next at the Highcross, with the line going right past TGI Friday, around the corner and down to The Gym in Causeway Lane.
Among the early birds was Vidhapthri Matety, 23, of Westcotes, Leicester, who had come into the city early with a group of friends.
After Next at 6am, he made his way to the queues for the later openings.
He said: “We got here at 5.30am and it’s been a real experience. All the shops have been opening at different times so it’s been hard to get to them all at the right time.
“But I’ve got lots of reduced clothes, as well as some shoes and other things. Between us we’ve probably saved £300.”
Sameeha Patel, 35, of Thurnby, got to Highcross with two of her daughters before 6am.
The mum-of-four said: “There was a huge queue around the building when we got here at 5.55am.
“We got in pretty quickly and I’ve spent loads on kids’ clothes. Lots of them were half price so I think I saved a lot.
“I usually just shop online but Next has a lot more if you go to the shop.”
Zainab Mohammad, 29, of Highfields, Leicester, also arrived early to snap up some bargain socks and other items in Next.
She said: “We got up at 5.30am and got to Next just after it opened.
“We could have tried to get here earlier, but you get what you get.
“We were just picking stuff up – I think I got a whole bag of socks!
“Now we’re going to M&S which opens next. Hopefully we’ll be home by midday.”
Other big queues visible around Leicester during the morning were outside Zara in the Highcross and outside Boots and Lush in Gallowtree Gate.
Hannah Fetch, 25, of Leicester, was in a queue of about 60 people outside Boots as it opened.
She said: “I’ve come for kids’ clothes. They’re half price. I’ve got one kid and another on the way.
“We’ve already been to Next and that was really busy. I got two big bags full of clothes there.”
Zen Kilich and her sister Mehlika were in the queue outside Lush, which stretched across the street.
Explaining the popularity of the store among people her age, Zen, 27, who lives in the city centre, said: “I think it’s because we’re the self-care generation and like looking after ourselves.
“I love the Snow Fairy range. It’s all 50 per cent off so hopefully I’ll save lots of money and get enough stuff to last me until next Christmas!”