January draws in crowds
London's West End revealed a 5.5 per cent surge in January shopper levels, compared with 2006, according to the New West End Company.

January's footfall was 19.7 million, against 18.7 million the year before. The average weekly flow of shoppers was 4.9 million, representing a quarter of a million increase on 2006, which had a weekly rate of 4.67 million.

New West End Company spokesman Jace Tyrrell said: 'This year's January sales were some of the most dynamic and spirited ever for the West End. Interestingly, Oxford Street recorded a 21 per cent increase in sales to shoppers from outside the EU and Regent Street recorded a 35 per cent rise.'

Selfridges communications director Christine Watts said: '2006 was the best year ever for Selfridges and a very successful winter Sale was the icing on the cake. Customers from all over the UK and around the world came to enjoy the buzz and bargains.'

John Lewis Oxford Street managing director Noel Saunders said: 'Following on from our very successful Christmas and New Year period, John Lewis has continued to trade strongly throughout January, with year-on-year sales up 3.7 per cent.'