HUNDREDS of bargain hunters descended on Wrexham’s Eagles Meadow shopping complex from 2.30am yesterday.


The queue outside Next grew to the full length of the shopping complex as eager bargain hunters waited for the doors to open at 5am.


First in the queue when the doors of Next opened were Dave and Lisa Jones, of Wrexham, who wanted to stock up on children’s outfits for 10-month-old son Jayden.


Dave, who works as a jewellery store manager in Shrewsbury, says he was delighted to be first in the queue despite the sub-zero temperatures.


He said: “It’s definitely worth it as we can buy all the clothes we need for Jayden for the next six months at a fraction of the cost. It has been a bit cold waiting, we arrived at 2.30am, but it’s great to be first to go through the doors.”


Store manager Chris Ridley was pleased to see so many bargain hunters had queued ready for the store to open its doors.


Speaking yesterday, he said: “It has been a pretty good Christmas and we have enjoyed some excellent trading days mixed with the odd quiet days. The weather has without doubt been a factor but we have still managed to produce some excellent like-for-like figures.


“It was great to see the queue this morning, despite the freezing and icy weather conditions. The atmosphere has been good natured and I expect the store to remain very busy throughout the whole sale period.


“The children’s wear and home furnishing sections have been particularly busy although the whole store is packed with shoppers.”


The first shopper to complete her sale shopping was Sarah Bailey, of Acton, who left the Next outlet at 5.15am clutching two large carrier bags stuffed full of clothes.


Sarah, who works at a Wrexham supermarket, says she decided to hit the sales before heading to work for her 6am to 2pm shift.


She said: “I’m really pleased. I got to Eagles Meadow at 4.30am and the queue was by then almost the full length of the shopping centre.


“However, I got what I came for, some coats, jeans and a watch and a few tops for my daughter and sister.


“It’s off to work now. I’m glad I got up extra early though otherwise I’m sure I would have missed out on a few extra special bargains.”


Dave and Lisa Jones completed their spending spree just after 6am and left Next with several large carrier bags crammed with children’s outfits.


Dave said: “I spent just under £300 but believe me had it not been in sale you could more than double that figure so it was definitely worth it. We have stocked up on good quality clothes for our young son Jayden at a fraction of the cost.
 

“Mind you, it’s now time to get home, get warm and get some sleep.”
 

Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley was among the early arrivals at the shopping centre.
 

He revealed that business was also brisk at other stores including Marks and Spencer, Boots, Top Shop and River Island.
 

Mr Critchley said: “There is a steady flow of people with carrier bags and I must say that they look pretty happy with the bargains they’ve snapped up.
 

“After all a lot of people have saved themselves hundreds of pounds so it really was worth the effort.”