West End sees 13 per cent more shoppers in bitter price war with online rivals

 
5 December 2013

West End stores saw a 13 per cent increase in shoppers last weekend despite a flurry of discounts from internet retailers, according to figures.

There had been concerns that the “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” online promotions would lead to fewer shoppers visiting central London.

But West End bosses said a combination of December pay packets and a “charm offensive” by stores helped draw people to Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street.

Sally Eden, head of communications at New West End Company, which represents 600 traders, said: “Retailers had to work hard, shoppers want more for their money this year.

“Last weekend, retailers across the West End launched a series of one-off Christmas shopping offers to celebrate Black Friday, moving into the last payday weekend before Christmas.”

Promotions included 30 per cent off at Debenhams and 20 per cent discounts at Selfridges. Kindles and iPads as well as cosmetics were said to be among the most in-demand products.

Selfridges said sales of Bose noise-cancelling headphones were up 60 per cent on last year, and sales of fragrant candles and retro electrical cookware had risen by 55 per cent and 400 per cent respectively.

A pair of 5ft polar bears, at £2,900 each, and a 9ft anamatronic version priced at £4,730 have all been sold.

Across the West End customer footfall was up 13 per cent on Saturday compared with the previous weekend and by 14 per cent on Sunday. Ewan Venters, chief executive of Fortnum & Mason, said the Piccadilly store had seen a seven per cent rise in footfall and eight per cent higher sales compared with last year with hampers up 50 per cent.

He said: “We are expecting this Saturday to be Super Saturday with an estimated 24,000 coming through the doors of Fortnums and footfall up nine per cent on last year.”

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