Morning:
14°c
‘I came for bargains and free champagne’
Rashid Razaq30.10.08
AMONG the thousands of shoppers who flocked to the centre for its first day was Kim Ho, 34, a researcher from Earl's Court.
She bought a Alfred Hitchcock DVD collection which was reduced from £90 to £20 at HMV.
Mrs Ho said: “They've got some amazing offers on today. I've been very impressed with the shopping centre. It's clean and it's convenient for me to get to with the parking.
“I've only had time to look around a bit of it but I'll definitely be coming back. I like the fact you've got the high street and the designer shops all in one place.”
Another shopper, Sandra Jackson, said she had been trying to collect as many free items as possible.
The 45-year-old from Staines said: “I just came here to try and get some bargains. I love seeing all the big name shops in one place. I liked the free champagne as well.”
Nineteen-year-old Becki Andrews from Walthamstow said: “I love fashion and I love shopping so it's perfect. There is so much stuff here, it's huge. I haven't bought anything yet but I probably will.”
Only a handful of shoppers had braved icy temperatures to be among the first through the doors, which opened at 9am. Adam Lane and Fallon Warren, both 17, arrived at 6am in the hope of scooping up freebies.
“I heard House of Fraser were giving away goodies and Waitrose were giving money prizes,” said Adam. “It looks like we may be the only ones here.” His friend Fallon said: “It's half term now so we're not missing anything important.”
