SHOPPERS in Manchester have been cashing in on the pre- Christmas sales and say they will leave worrying about the credit crunch until the New Year .

Steve Valenzuela, 32, from Chorley, said: "I've had to watch what I've been spending this year, but it's Christmas and I've decided to go for it and think about the economy in January."

His biggest bargain was an aftershave gift-set discounted to half-price.

His brother Luis, 27, said: "I've left shopping far too late this year, so I've been getting what I need and not looking too much for bargains."

Sandra Young, 38, from Sale, said the credit crunch had not put her off. She said: "I picked up some perfume, which was discounted 40per cent. There have been lots of bargains on offer this year, so it's been very good. Nothing would put me off shopping."

Her friend, Andy Tuck, 44, from Swindon , was celebrating after buying a Hugo Boss bag with 40per cent off the price.

He said: "Some shops have been selling goods at half-price."

Shopper Lauren Walker, 26, lives in London, but waited until she returned to the family home in Sale before starting her shopping - to take advantage of Manchester's Christmas bargains.

She said: "Many shops have been offering 50 per cent off the price. I managed to buy a dress for half-price at French Connection. I also managed to get 50 per cent off a Jamie Oliver book.

Discounts

"I think there'll be more discounts tomorrow, so I think I'll be out shopping again. I've seen some stores offering people £5 off, on top of the discount price. The best bargains have been in perfume gift sets."

Her sister Hannah Walker, 19, a student, said: "I've not been able to afford to buy a lot of presents this year, but I found some good bargains among the three-for-two offers in Boots."

Cityco, Manchester's city centre management company, said more than 1.3m people visited the city centre between December 15 and 21 - up 9.4 per cent on last year.

According to its figures, sales of men's clothing, as well as health and beauty products, have been 'exceptionally strong'.

Market Street has been the busiest area, clocking up 526,000 shoppers over the period.

They predict this Saturday to be the busiest day of the year.


Tweet