Shops frenzy!

THRONGS of shoppers cram the malls in Spindles

Jingle tills all the way in hectic weekend

OLDHAMERS have flocked to the shops sending the tills jinging and profits soaring in the town centre.

The Spindles Town Square centre was packed with bargain hunters on the last weekend before Christmas with car parks full to capacity.

Gary Mitchell, operations manager, said: “It has been incredibly busy from the minute we opened the doors until we closed them.

“The malls were heaving with the number of visitors up 16 per cent on last year.

“The Christmas programme with street shows, the ice rink and the continental market have lured shoppers from other towns.

“It appears Oldhamers have ignored the credit crunch and we are hoping this continues well beyond into the January sales.”

The local boom has not been affected by the demise of popular stores such as Woolworths and MFI and the town is well on the way to attracting more big name brands in the New Year.

Gary added: “The large Primark store has been a big draw since its arrival and we have the H&M store this year which is attracting people into the town.

“People are also coming for the impressive festive lights and street displays and then staying to pick up their Christmas shopping. Long may it continue!”

Traders at the Tommyfield Market have seen a steady flow of shoppers come through the doors but manager Peter Conroy predicts the busiest day will be Christmas Eve when people pick up their fresh fruit and veg, turkeys and last-minute presents.