Shopping stampede for hats, scarves and gloves (From Warrington Guardian)

Shopping stampede for hats, scarves and gloves

MORE than two million shoppers kept shop tills jingling over the festive period as stores reported brisk business across the town.

Despite national fears about a slow run-up to Christmas with many beginning their sales early, Warrington's retailers say trade was good.

Nick White, town centre manager, confirmed that 98,670 more people visited the centre over this year's four-week Christmas period, than in 2003.

In 2003 the figure was 1,911,613 but this year saw 2,010,283 shoppers.

Michael Hancock, managing director of Hancock and Wood, in Bridge Street, said the relatively dry weather had a positive effect.

"Business was very good coming up to Christmas. When it is cold and dry, people start to think about buying scarves and gloves, housecoats and jackets."

However, he said a lack of public transport due to the first two days of the sales falling on bank holidays might have reduced the number of shoppers.

"We were far more busy on Wednesday than on the first two days, which could be because buses were running a Sunday service for the first two days of the sales."

Early Christmas shoppers made November the busiest month for Golden Square jewellery shop Goldsmiths, said manager Jason Morris.

"It's been a slow 12 months and quieter before Christmas than normal, but we had a bit of a lift in November.

"Although we didn't open on Boxing Day, so far the sales have been terrific, although it is still too early to say how it will go."

Top Shop, on Sankey Street, blamed Christmas falling on a Saturday for its slower-than-usual pre-season sales but said its figures were about level, or just up on last year.

Graham Molloy, manager, said: "We were heaving on Boxing Day and it's been heaving ever since."

Shoppers have also been as keen as ever to buy unsold Christmas cards at discount prices. Christine Brocklehurst, manager of the Card Factory, in Golden Square, said that boxed sets were proving very popular.