Boxing Day sales bring savvy shoppers to Bolton centre

Most shoppers headed straight to the Market Place Shopping Centre where retailers advertised huge bargains across clothes, perfumes, makeup and other accessories.

The town centre was busier than usual, however, one retail worker said she was surprised by the amount of people coming in the afternoon rather than the morning.

She said: “There are some great deals in here but I thought most of this would have sold out sooner.

“It started getting really busy around lunchtime when I was on my break so I wasn’t taken by surprise when I re-started my shift again for the afternoon.”

Although there were some great deals to be found, many opted to browse the sales from the comfort of their own home today.

One shopper said: “I saw there was 50 per cent off some hardback books on the Waterstones app today so I bought some online this morning.  

“It is a lot easier because the Bolton store might not have the books I wanted and it meant that I didn’t have to leave first thing in the morning.

“I have come down this afternoon though for a browse around but it has made me realise I prefer shopping online.

"This feels quite busy and stressful, I feel like I have to buy something I don't need just because it has a discount, whereas online I wouldn't do that". 

Some shops, including the likes of Next, did not open for the Boxing Day sales.

Instead, they will be re-opening again tomorrow, December 27.

One shopper said they did not realise Next would be closed, adding that they are glad they did not go to Bury to visit the M&S, which is also closed today.

They said: “I have just come down to have a look at what is on sale, but it would be no surprise to me if it is quieter than usual and not just because the Marks & Spencer has gone.

“I think after the expense of Christmas, not many people can afford to come out shopping.”

Opinions were split over how busy the high street has been this Boxing Day, however, one cashier at a popular clothing store said that they ‘haven’t stopped’ and that there has been a steady queue of customers throughout the day.

Some deals people have made the most of included 40 per cent off everything at the Calendar Club, up to 60 per cent off at River Island and huge price slashes at both Boots and New Look.

Let us know if you have found any great deals today either online or in person by commenting on this article.