SHOPPERS searching for post-Christmas bargains have given the high street a much-needed boost.
Before Christmas, stores were reporting a downturn in sales compared with previous years, as many shoppers turned to the internet for their festive gifts.
But bargains tempted customers away from their computers when the post-Christmas sales started yesterday.
The streets of Huddersfield were crowded with shoppers laden with bags full of bargains.
Many had queued since the early hours, ready to grab the best bargains.
Next - in the Kingsgate centre - opened its doors at 5am and was also doing a 50% discount.
Shop staff in the Kingsgate centre said business had picked up when prices were lowered, but trade was still down compared to previous years.
Maria Brereton, manager of Xtras accessories shop in the centre, said: "Trade has been down.
"It picked up when we started our sale, but the centre in general hasn't been as busy as in previous years.
"This is our third Christmas here and you get used to the flow of customers.
"I think a lot of people are shopping on the internet. Shops need to do more to encourage people to come out to buy items."
Customers were crowding into Peters department store on Kingsgate.
Caroline Whittle, merchandise director, said shoppers were queuing outside the store when it opened at 9am.
She said: "It was great. We have had a good Christmas, the last two weeks have been very buoyant.
"We've done especially well on our ground floor with shoes and accessories.
"It's nice to see the volume of people coming in."
Shoppers who braved the cold to hunt for bargains included Liza Ruddock, of Fartown.
Miss Ruddock, 27, had been to the sale at Next.
She said: "I go every year as I usually shop there.
"I didn't come as soon as it opened, but I was here relatively early. You have to be to get the best bargains."
David Jones, from Slaithwaite, had visited Currys in the Kingsgate centre.
Mr Jones, 52, said: "I came to buy something specific. I wouldn't come to the sales to browse because it's too busy.
"I don't believe in buying things for the sake of it, just because they are cheap.
"But if there's something definite you are looking for, you can find a bargain."
Although some shops reported trade being quieter than in the past, a national survey - the Retail FootFall Index - showed that 6.9% more shoppers are taking part in sales this year.
Natasha Burton, of FootFall, said: "After an anxious wait, bargain hunters didn't disappoint this year.
"This year, the steady build-up and the quiet Christmas Eve seem to suggest that consumers were waiting for the post-Christmas sales and that the savvy shopper is now back out shopping with a vengeance."
