STORES in Southampton have reported a bumper start to the sales as shoppers went on a spending spree in the city.

Some outlets even reported a 30 per cent increase in trade compared to the same time last year.

The sales began in earnest on December 27 and shops reported brisk business the following day as well.

Richard Broadhead, WestQuay commercial director, said: "Many of WestQuay's retailers reported increases in trade, some in excess of 30 per cent against the same day last year.

"The number of visitors to WestQuay this year equalled the unprecedented level of visitors on the first day of the sales in 2000.

"It is impressive that WestQuay continues to attract such high levels of visitors compared to an extraordinary first year. We are delighted that our retailers are reporting continued increases in trade compared to last year.

"The most popular bargains proved to be half price Christmas merchandise, which sold out in some stores during the course of the day."

Jackie Beazley, duty manager at the Marlands shopping centre, said: "Thursday was absolutely manic and tenants said they had done extremely well. It seemed to be a bit of a slower start the next day but it did pick up a lot after that."

Rashmi Chande, of the East Street Traders' Association, said: "There have been a lot of people about in East Street and there are plenty of bargains about."