'Short and sharp' sales predicted at Brent Cross Shopping Centre today (From Times Series)

'Short and sharp' sales predicted at Brent Cross Shopping Centre today

7:00am Saturday 26th December 2009 in

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MORE than 100 stores will be opening today at Brent Cross Shopping Centre to welcome keen bargain hunters.

The traditional Boxing Day sales will be kicking off from 10am, although some of the larger chains such as John Lewis, Fenwick, Waitrose and Marks and Spencer will remain closed until tomorrow.

Shopping centre bosses said figures for the number of people visiting are up on last year, and estimated 250,000 people braved the icy weather in the days leading up to Christmas So far, the “quality and high value items” such as jewellery, electrical and beauty items are said to be in demand, “significantly” outperforming 2008 sales.

Many shops have decided to carefully manage their stock levels this year because of the economic climate, meaning there were fewer bargains to be had pre-Christmas.

Norman Black, spokesman for Brent Cross Shopping Centre said many retailers were waiting for the start of sales today.

He said: “Boxing Day sales at Brent Cross promise to be big this year, as retailers have held their nerve pre-Christmas, offering far fewer discounts than in 2008.

“The sales are expected to be short and sharp, with stores offering up to 75% off in a bid to clear their stock quickly to make way for new season products.”