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West End opens early for shoppers West End opens early for shoppers
(about 3 hours later)
Several shops in London's West End have thrown their doors open at 0700 GMT and are offering discounts to attract shoppers buying Christmas presents. Several shops in London's West End threw their doors open at 0700 GMT and offered discounts to attract shoppers buying Christmas presents.
New West End Company, which promotes shops in the shopping district, said 50 personal shoppers will be on hand in stores during London Early Birds event. New West End Company, which promotes shops in the shopping district, said 50 personal shoppers were on hand in stores during London Early Birds event.
More than 35 stores, including House of Fraser, Topshop, M&S and Hamleys, are participating in the one-day promotion. More than 35 stores, including House of Fraser, Topshop, M&S and Hamleys, participated in the one-day promotion.
Early shoppers are also being promised complimentary champagne and breakfast. Early shoppers were also offered complimentary champagne and breakfast.
The promotion ends at 0930 GMT. The promotion ended at 0930 GMT.
'Enticing shoppers''Enticing shoppers'
The one-day event comes as figures showed a sharp fall in the number of shoppers flocking to the West End because of the economic downturn. The event came as figures showed a sharp fall in the number of shoppers flocking to the West End because of the economic downturn.
Jace Tyrell, from New west End Company, said: "Obviously its a very tough Christmas this year and we have seen an unprecedented amount of sales and discounts ahead of Christmas. Jace Tyrell, from New west End Company, said: "Obviously it's a very tough Christmas this year and we have seen an unprecedented amount of sales and discounts ahead of Christmas.
"But great news for shoppers, they are seeing some incredible bargains and this event is part of many others right up until Christmas. Its really about enticing the shoppers in.""But great news for shoppers, they are seeing some incredible bargains and this event is part of many others right up until Christmas. Its really about enticing the shoppers in."
New West End Company said they expect 40 million shoppers to visit stores on Oxford Street and Regent Street over the six-week festive period.New West End Company said they expect 40 million shoppers to visit stores on Oxford Street and Regent Street over the six-week festive period.