Shoppers in Birmingham defied national predictions of a bleak retail Christmas as they turned out for Boxing Day sales in huge numbers.
The Bullring shopping centre saw an estimated 185,000 people pour through its doors yesterday, with 27,500 in the first hour alone - equalling last year's record-breaking figure.
And Birmingham's reputation as a fashion shopping destination meant the city's shops were expecting one of the best-performing holiday periods yet, despite worldwide financial fears, the centre said.
Tim Walley, general manager of the Bullring, said: "As predicted, we've had a great Christmas. Our major retailers have seen double-digit growth during this key trading period, bucking the national trend as retailers report a downturn in December sales following the nation's credit crunch."
Hundreds of people queued outside Selfridges and Debenhams, the flagship stores at the centre. They both opened early at 8am to kick off their sales.
Popular choices in the sales included the J by Jasper Conran cashmere jumpers, reduced from £80 to £40, and the Fendi Leather Spy Bag in black, reduced from £1,080 to £270.
Loretta Fraser, general manager of Selfridges in Birmingham, said: "December has seen Selfridges achieve strong sales growth.
"We opened at 8am as we wanted to be the first place for people to get some of the best bargains in the city. We are the destination for those who want to spend their Christmas money and who will queue for the best discounts especially in our designer accessories area."
The quality of clothes and accessories on sale in Birmingham meant shoppers were less likely to turn to the internet, claimed Louise Hamer-Brown, the Bullring's marketing controller.
She said: "We have found that the footfall has been the same, we have had the same number of people visiting as last year, but they have spent more.
"We haven't noticed a difference with internet shopping because we are more fashion-related and it's harder to buy fashion on the internet."
