Boxing Day Sales

It is hoped that the traditional post-Christmas sales provide a boost to High Street retailers, as shoppers look for increasingly competitive discounts.

Many large department stores and chains opened early on Boxing Day, while a number of online sales began on Christmas Eve with a huge n umber of people shopping on line on Christmas Day!

In London's Oxford Street, some had queued outside their favourite retailers since the early hours of the morning in their eagerness to grab the best bargains with some people queueing outside the flagship Topshop branch since 06:00.

Meanwhile Harrods kicked off its winter sale with mugs of hot chocolate and gourmet smoked salmon canapés served by butlers to people in the queue, while they were serenaded by a string quartet and watched a performance by street magician Dynamo.

The crowds certainly turned out in force at Westfield Stratford as this image shows