JBarwise

Last updated at 00:00, Friday, 28 December 2007

WEST CUMBRIAN traders reported a busy Boxing Day and are preparing themselves for an even busier weekend.

Shops opened their doors to customers wanting to grab a bargain on Wednesday and shopkeepers anticipate that more crowds of people will be spending their money this weekend.

River Island, on Risman Place, Workington, opened for the second year running on Boxing Day from 9am-6pm.

A spokeswoman for the store said: “It was absolutely manic on Boxing Day. We completely slashed last year’s figures.

“The prices are random and most of it is up to half price off. There is hardly anything left, I am absolutely chuffed.”

Workington’s JJB opened its doors on Boxing Day and store manager, Richard Todd, said that they were busier than they were last year. “There is a sale on pretty much everything,” he added.

Woolworths on Pow Street, Workington, is having an end of year clearout. It also opened on Boxing Day and has been busy throughout the week.

The store has a sale in the Homeware section, as well as the normal range. In the entertainment section some DVDs, games and CDs are cut down in price.

K2, Jane Street, Workington and Main Street, Cockermouth, opened its doors for the first year on Boxing Day.

There is up to 70 per cent knocked off original prices.

Owner Mandy Akitt said: “We opened on Boxing Day and were very successful. The whole of the town centre commits to Boxing Day sales.

“We always do knockdown sales of branded products. Party dresses have up to 70 per cent off across the board.

“Fashion shops all get their fair share of custom at sale time and because the sales have started even earlier.”

Fagans, Main Street, Cockermouth, opened its doors yesterday and most things in the shop are on sale.

Manager Dawn Iredale said: “We have got a reduction on most things in the cookery shop. There are excellent offers on the pans and cutlery and we will have some half price Border Fine Arts. There is 20 per cent off a lot of things.”

The crystal range of wine glasses, tumblers, vases and bowls have got a selected half price sale on them.

Mrs Iredale said: “People are relaxing at the moment, but tomorrow should be very busy.”

Jumper, on Main Street, Cockermouth, has most of its stock for sale at half price. The shop sells ladieswear. It opened yesterday and is ready for the sales.

Shop assistant Kath Moore said: “There are bargains all through the shop.”

Annabelles on Main Street, Cockermouth, opened its doors to customers at 9.30am yesterday.

The shop, which sells women’s fashion clothes, shoes and accessories from leading designers, has an up to 50 per cent sale.

First published at 18:31, Thursday, 24 January 2008
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk