Shoppers hit Norwich city centre for Boxing Day sales

Shoppers coming in and out of the Norwich city centre Next store on the 2016 Boxing Day sale. Picture: SOPHIE WYLLIE (Image: SOPHIE WYLLIE)

But while many businesses hosting big savings opened their doors, two notable institutions were not open.

John Lewis and Jarrolds department stores start their festive sales tomorrow.

A small queue formed outside Lush cosmetic store on Gentleman's Walk before it opened.

Mother-of-two Rosie Marshall, 28, from Thorpe Marriott, was waiting to buy a bath set.

She said: 'I want to get a lot of bargains today. We have already done Next and Boots but they weren't as busy as in previous years.'

She added she usually spends 'quite a lot' in Next but this year only spent about £10.

Mrs Marshall said there appeared to be fewer sale items available in the clothes store, compared to previous years.

'I usually do quite a lot of online shopping but for sales I like to come out to the shops,' she added.

But despite her enthusiasm for the sales Mrs Marshall said many of her friends preferred to stay at home on Boxing Day and avoid the shops.

Amy Farrow, 21, from the Norwich Riverside area, who browsed the Next sale said she enjoyed coming out to Boxing Day sales.

She said: 'If there is something nice, I'll get it. The sales mean lots of cheaper items. I normally come out to look around the shops rather than go online because it is easier.'

Her father-in-law Robert Alden, 53, from Norwich, said Castle Mall shopping centre and the city shops in general appeared quieter today compared to previous Boxing Day sales.

Mr Alden said: 'I come down to keep the peace and carry the bags.'

Shopping online on Christmas Day has become increasingly popular with an estimated £805m being spent yesterday, but it will still be eclipsed by Boxing Day where shoppers are expected to spend a record £984m today.