One million shoppers headed to West End last weekend

The pedestrianisation of the West End helped retailers celebrate strong Christmas sales

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More than one million shoppers visited London's West End and spent more than £100m during the Shop West End VIP Day on Saturday, which saw Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street go traffic-free.

The pedestrianisation of the famous London shopping streets, which was organised by the New West End Company, marked the first occasion when all three streets have been closed to traffic. More than 600 retailers benefitted from the closures with some hailing it as the best day of trading this year. 

Marks & Spencer chief executive Stuart Rose said the newly unveiled Pantheon store on OXford Street was a hit with customers.

Selfridges boss Paul Kelly added that the day was a fantastic way to kick of Christmas. He said "It proves that customers love shopping a traffic free Oxford Street."

A spokeswoman for French Connection said that party dresses sold well during the day and that a pink coat with bow detail was a sell out hit. Coats were popular with men and leather biker styles and wool crombies sold well.

UK country manager of Esprit, Elaine Davis said that accessories sales were up 30% as shoppers snapped up bags and scarves.