Shoppers flock to West End for traffic-free bank holiday
26 May 2009 09:33
London's West End saw a record number of shoppers over the bank holiday weekend, thanks to the first ever spring traffic-free day on Oxford Street.
Approximately 500,000 shoppers joined in "London's biggest birthday party", commemorating 1,415 years of West End retailers' birthdays in 2009.
Event organisers, New West End Company, estimated up to £50 million was spent in West End stores over the weekend. The street carnival, which saw Oxford Street west free of buses, taxis and cars between 12 noon and 5pm, had visitor numbers boosted by the "staycation" trend – with many Londoners and Brits choosing to holiday in the UK rather than abroad over the half-term.
Commenting at the launch of the event, Richard Dickinson, CEO of New West End Company said: "Today's event has involved six months of planning and the hard work of over 100 people. We hope that it will give Londoners and those from other parts of the UK a great reason to rediscover the West End – with its fantastic breadth of retail across 600 stores, great galleries, superb shows, restaurants for every pocket and much more besides. This scale is what makes the West End unique and our event is a birthday party for both Londoners and others to enjoy".
Cllr Colin Barrow, leader of Westminster City Council, added: "This special event gave our visitors and businesses some much needed cheer during these difficult times, and has received the support of many of the 40,000 local residents whose backing is essential in making it such a success. The West End provides employment for nearly 300,000 people so it is vital we do all we can to support it".
One of the retailers with the most to celebrate was Selfridges, which sees its 100th anniversary this year.
The iconic department store hosted a "Hannah Montana Hoedown" for children alongside its "big yellow festival" birthday celebrations.
Ewan Venters, food and restaurants director at Selfridges said, "Customers were busy buying for the holiday season with best-sellers including beauty, beachwear and summer dresses. In the food hall people are stocking up on BBQ essentials and ice cream has been flying out".
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