Even M&S has discount day

IT IS clearly bargain basement day in Oxford Street. All along London's biggest shopping boulevard the discount offers shriek from the windows: "20 per cent off today!" and "three for two today only ..."

And now at Marks & Spencer, the nation's favourite retailer is joining in the frenzy, offering everything at 20 per cent off for one day only in an attempt to boost pre-Christmas sales. It is the first time M&S has made such a dramatic move in years.

Shoppers were not, however, exactly breaking down the doors at eight o'clock this morning at its flagship Marble Arch store. In fact, the small number that had gathered in the hope of picking up a bargain on the way to work were mostly outnumbered by the media asking them if they were on their way to pick up a bargain on their way to work.

Sharon Scarrott, 55, a tour operator from Stanmore, said: "It's a great idea to have the store open so early but I'm really surprised it's so quiet. I thought there would be more people taking advantage of this. I'm squeezing in some shopping now but I guess a lot of people will be coming at lunchtime or after work."

Linda Herron, 43, a PA from Chislehurst said: "The doors being open so early is handy for me as I work just around the corner. I could squeeze in some Christmas shopping before work. I'm looking for presents for my mother, sister and niece and something for myself. My budget is 50 per person but last year it was 80 which shows how much the credit crunch is affecting things."

Helen Lawrence, 35, in London from Birmingham for work, is staying in a hotel nearby and decided to pop down after breakfast. She said: "I'm an M&S fan and just thought I'd come for a rummage in the hope of finding some Christmas presents. It's always expensive this time of year but it's particularly difficult at the moment so I'm looking for anything to help me out."

As Marks opened its doors and customers trooped in past the bargain offer boards, the Primark across the road whose low prices have been attracting the kind of hard-pressed middle-class customers M&S has always called its own, was yet to open. Its windows remained unadorned by discount signs.