SHOPS across Hull have enjoyed a post-Christmas surge in sales.
On New Year's Day, which is normally a quiet day for retailers, St Stephen's shopping centre saw a 25 per cent rise in footfall compared with the same day last year.
Centre manager Jim Harris is delighted with the strong sales.
He said: "The whole festive period has been fantastic.
"Last month, we were up 14 per cent on footfall and 12 per cent up in car parking numbers.
"It's not normally a great time for business but, on New Year's Day, footfall was up 25 per cent on last year.
"Our biggest day was December 23 when we had just shy of 60,000 people visit the shopping centre.
"For the Boxing Day sales, the first person started queuing at 1.40am and we had 300 people waiting by 6am."
Many shopping centres and high streets have suffered because of the increase in online shopping, but habits are changing, according to Mr Harris.
He said: "We have been getting really positive feedback from traders who have been posting great figures.
"Many in St Stephen's, such as Tesco, have been the best performers in their group regionally.
"There has been an increase in click and collect where people order goods online but come and pick them up.
"People are also using the internet to do research on price comparisons but then come down and shop rather than just order online."
Mr Harris also believes shopping centres are listening to what customers want.
He said: "We recognise the idea of the lifestyle experience.
"We have to ensure there is enough parking and good public transport while ensuring we have the right opening hours and good facilities, such as coffee shops.
"There has been a real double whammy with more people coming to Hull from outside the area to shop, particularly from the south bank, while more people in Hull are staying here to shop when they might otherwise have gone to Meadowhall or Leeds."
One of those still looking to pick up a bargain this weekend was Emily King, of east Hull, who was out shopping with her mum Caroline.
Miss King, 21, said: "We wanted to come and do a bit of shopping after Christmas.
"I have been away in Cyprus, so I had a lot of catching up to do.
"We got a few bargains, including a top from Bank for just £7.
"The sales have been pretty good this year and St Stephen's was very busy.
"I like to get out and about to do my shopping rather than go online."
Retailers across the city have also experienced strong results over the festive period.
Louise Smith, centre manager at North Point Centre in Bransholme, said: "We have had a great Christmas and we have seen some good sales figures.
"It has certainly been a bit better compared with last year.
"We have a new discount sportswear shop Branded, which has done particularly well.
"Most of our stores still have sales on, but the impact isn't as great here because most of our shops are discounted anyway."
Miss Smith is optimistic going into the new year.
She said: "We are very positive going into 2015.
"Last year, we filled many of our empty units and we are looking to build on that this time round."
Post-Christmas sales bargains to be had ST STEPHEN'S shopping centre manager Jim Harris has said the bargains can still be found in the post-Christmas sales.He said: "Most of the clothing stores still have quite a few 50 per cent off deals.
"The jewellers Hugh Rice also has some fantastic deals.
"Anyone wishing to upgrade their smartphone can also find some good deals.
"For instance, Tesco has some great offers on its sim-only phones."
