The West End is seeking to up the amount of Christmas shopping that takes place this year by removing traffic from its streets.
For the fifth year in a row the buses and cars that normally travel along Regent and Oxford Street’s are being rerouted for what is known as VIP or Very Important Pedestrians Day.
During this time many of the shops are also offering relaxation zones and entertainment in an attempt to encourage shoppers in need of a little pampering. Retailers in the West End are hoping to increase the area’s sales from last year when till’s rounded out at about £150m.
Representative Jace Tyrell from the New West End Company that represents the local West End retailers said that now that most people have received their last pay-cheques before Christmas and the area is hoping for an excellent amount of Saturday sales.
One of the key entertainment areas to check out will be the Selfridges Pop Up Panto, which will feature 30 panto dames performing to kick off the midday shopping.
Boris Johnson, the London mayor, stated that with last year’s VIP day boasted 1.5m shoppers and the day continues to be successful for the area.
