High street hopes for bumper Easter with sales offering 70% off

Figures released this week showed a 2.1 rise in the volume of retail sales during February – and stores are hoping that Spring special offers and good weather will see shoppers flocking back to the high street.

Next begins its 50 per cent sale today, Oasis is offering discounts of up to 70 per cent and sales continue at Debenhams as fashion outlets give better-than-ever deals in their mid-season sales.

Richard Dodd, of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: "There is no question that consumer confidence is higher than it was 12 months ago – but a lot of that is because things were so tough this time last year.

"There is an increased willingness among consumers to spend but people are still worrying about job prospects, taxation and political uncertainty.

"Retailers are still having to battle it out to tempt customers in. For DIY stores, Easter is their Christmas. It is the most important time of the year and they will be wanting to make a really strong start to the season."

Homebase will be offering a range of discounts to entice the Easter customers, while many clothing outlets are holding mid-season sales in preparation for Spring.

A spokesman for Jenners and House of Fraser said: "The build up to the Easter weekend is always very exciting for shoppers and we expect that they will be out in numbers over the week ahead, taking advantage of some great promotions on the high street."

The Easter period is a key season for DIY and leisure outlets – and major chains are launching special offers and promotions to attract shoppers.

Simon Yeomans, category marketing manager of Homebase, said: "Easter is one of the most popular times for people to do DIY and, with the warmer weather already on its way, we expect people to be out in their gardens, and getting started on those DIY jobs that they've been putting off in the colder months.

"We'll be offering some great deals over the weekend."

Susan Reid, of website TheFashionPixie.com, said: "There are more than 40 women's fashion retailers with big sales of 50 per cent or so, and we expect some of the biggest sales to start on Saturday.

"It's a great time to snap up a bargain, and it's great news for the fashion and budget-conscious shopper that we are seeing more and deeper reductions in a greater number of stores earlier in the year.

"Traditionally, retailers have held off longer to offer sales, but with concerns over consumer confidence and a looming general election, retailers are making hay while they can."

Karen Smibert, store manager at Debenhams Princes Street, said: "We are looking forward to a busy weekend with the sale on.

"With the definite feeling of spring in the air, many customers will be keen to take advantage of the fantastic prices on new-season pieces, including twenty per cent off selected swimwear – perfect for anyone planning an early sunshine break over Easter."

Earlier this week, the Office of National Statistics reported a 2.1 per cent rise in the volume of retail sales during February, giving rise to a sense of optimism.

BARGAINS IN STORE

IN A special promotion in its stores today, Homebase is selling two 2.5-litre pots of Dulux paint for 16.15. The normal price is 14.90 each. Five litres of Weathercoat coloured masonry paint are on offer at two for 25 – normally they would cost 17.99 each. The store is also offering extra Nectar points.

In the Debenhams sale, a John Rocha nylon jacket, which was 50, is now 25. A St Tropez Perfect Legs tanning system has been reduced from 50 to 25, while a multicoloured poppies silk balcony bra, originally costing 20, has been reduced to 10.

A grey Union Jack T-shirt, originally priced 18, will be just 8 in the Next sale, which starts today. A grey layer dress, which cost 38, can now be bought for 15, while a suede fringed waistcoat, which was 55, is now 25.

Fashion chain Oasis has up to 70 per cent off selected lines in its sale. Platform peeptoe shoeboots are down from 40 to 25. A classic Crombie coat has been reduced from 130 to 65, while a grey leather shift dress is down from 70 to 50.