South Yorkshire shoppers hit the Boxing Day bargains

Thousands of shoppers descended on South Yorkshire stores as many went in search for a festive Boxing Day bargain.
Boxing Day sale shoppers hit the storesBoxing Day sale shoppers hit the stores
Boxing Day sale shoppers hit the stores

Shoppers were up at the early hours across the region to be first in line when the doors flung open armed with their Christmas cash.

But savvy shoppers went to even bigger extremes at Meadowhall with people turning up at 2am braving the wind, rain and chilly temperatures.

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Year on year, queues outside the shopping centre have become a regular occurrence and it was no different this time around.

Many waited several hours until 8am for doors to open.

The annual Boxing Day sales bonanza at Meadowhall saw an estimated 20,000 people come through its doors with thousands of pounds being handed over the counter.

But the rise of online shopping has seen many shoppers avoid the hustle and bustle of Boxing Day crowds and found bargains with just a few clicks.

Boxing Day sale shoppers on the streets of DoncasterBoxing Day sale shoppers on the streets of Doncaster
Boxing Day sale shoppers on the streets of Doncaster

Many stores started slashing prices around 6pm on Christmas Eve.

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One of them, John Lewis, didn’t open in Sheffield city centre but bosses said that online sales were very strong.

Experts predicted that 22 million people have hit the stores across the UK, spending as much as £3.75 billion, up six per cent on last year.

Retail experts also added that wealthy foreign tourists and students had a big part in fuelling bumper festive sales this year.

Boxing Day shoppers out in SheffieldBoxing Day shoppers out in Sheffield
Boxing Day shoppers out in Sheffield

Sheffield city centre was fairly quiet on Boxing Day morning but did pick up in the afternoon.

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Doncaster town centre was busy with many heading early to grab some post festive bargains in Frenchgate shopping centre.

Joyce Atkins, 58, of Arbourthorne, was on her way home from Meadowhall and said the weather played a part in why she stayed away from the city centre.

She said: “The weather forecast said it was going to rain heavy today so I chose to go Meadowhall.

People started arriving at Meadowhall at 2am on Boxing Day morningPeople started arriving at Meadowhall at 2am on Boxing Day morning
People started arriving at Meadowhall at 2am on Boxing Day morning

“It’s absolutely packed but it’s got what you need.

“I do shop in the city centre but it could be better, It needs some investment to compete with other big cities.”

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Another shopper said: “I don’t know why I go to Meadowhall on Boxing Day, but I end up going regardless.

“It’s always full but they some great deals on if you know what you’re after and know how to get around the place.”