Record-breaking sales as shoppers hunt for bargains

RETAILERS and shopping centres across Britain have reported “record-breaking” levels of trade as St Stephen’s Day bargain hunters kicked off the post-Christmas sales.

Upmarket department store Selfridges said it had enjoyed record first-hour sales levels despite a Tube strike in the capital, while Kent’s Bluewater shopping centre expressed delight at strong demand for luxury and big ticket items.

Other retail centres also experienced strong or best-ever spending levels — with London’s Brent Cross mall taking up to £1,000 (€1,196) a second as shoppers took advantage of discounts of up to 75%.