Shoppers flock to city centre for Christmas and start of the sales

sale beganat6amonBoxingDay andthe John Lewis sale started onDecember27sothis, coupled withmanyotherstoresopening and going into sale, is encouraging thousands of customers through the doors.

“On Boxing Day sales fever really took hold as hundreds of eager shoppers queued up for the 6amstart to take advantage of the vast array of offers available in Queensgate.

“Retailers slashed prices and began their early morning trading in a bid to entice shoppersinandcompetewithonline rivals who have already begun offering heavy discounts.”

Peterborough City Council leader Marco Cereste said the promising December figures would be continued through 2013.

Hesaid:“I wasattheopening of Primark, and the only time I haveeverseenanythinglikeitis at the opening of TK Maxx.

“The good thing is we have moretocome. Wehavesomebig announcements ready for the new year in Queensgate, which will enhance the offering in the city centre.

“We will also see the completion of the Bridge Street im- provements and other public realm spaces.

“We have to keep the momentum going in 2013, and I am sure we will.

“Wewant to come out of the recession as a new, big, powerful city that can benefit everybody, andbeable to attract new investment.”

Chief executive of Peterborough Chamber of Commerce John Bridge added:” Peterborough has been identified as a key growth area by investors.

“Peterboroughis being seen as the right place to invest, and shoppersarerelishingtheretail offering in the city.

Mr Bridge added: “While some people like to wait for the sales, there have been plenty who have been out shopping before, which has been a real benefit to the city.

“I think with some of the stores and restaurants that will be opening in the city in the near future, 2013 is looking verypositiveforPeterborough.”

Shoppers bag the bargains at the Next sales