QUEUES from Eastgate Street to Chester Cathedral on Boxing Day morning heralded the start of the city centre sales season with retailers predicting good sales.

Clothes retailer Next opened its doors to shoppers at 7am on Saturday with offers of half price or less on most stock.

Commercial manager Pat Brickland said: “Traditionally our winter sale doesn’t start until December 27 but with that falling on a Sunday, the six hours of trading wouldn’t have been long enough.

“ I think this Christmas has had a better atmosphere with more of a buzz than last year and I would anticipate higher sales than 2008.”

Customers queued up outside Foregate Street’s M&S stores on the first day of the sale on Sunday, with it opening an hour earlier than usual at 10am.

Store manager Neill Parnell said: “Customers have been making the most of our offers of up to 50% off our fashion and home ranges, with particular sale favourites including lingerie, womenswear and men’s suits.

Bargains included a Fujifilm Digital Camera reduced from £129 to £74.50 and an Autograph sequin print dress reduced from £69 to £35. Fenn Wright Manson, the womenswear store in Watergate Street, also opened on Sunday and supervisor Alison Laker was pleased with the first day of post-Christmas trading.

“It was like a good Saturday for us. We are offering 50% off everything in the sale with some items at 70% off.”

Julie Webb, general manager of the Grosvenor Shopping Centre, is upbeat about the sales although she said it is too early to compare with last year.

“About 20 stores opened on Boxing Day and all have been positive about sales.”

Heidi Meredith, who was shopping with her daughter Kimberley, said: “I went to Marks and Spencer for work shirts for my husband but there were none in the sales and I was looking for cashmere for me but there wasn’t much off.

“I did manage to get some sheets at half price!”

Julie Hughes, of Saltney, had picked up a pair of trainers from JD Sport. She said: “We’re hoping to pick up some things in Accessorize, River Island and Top Shop.

“I did go to Broughton Park on Sunday but there wasn’t much there either.”