Marks & Spencers' bazaar at Hedge End a massive success (From This is Hampshire)

Marks & Spencers' bazaar at Hedge End a massive success

4:37pm Saturday 14th November 2009

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THIS WASN’T just any bazaar – this was a Marks and Spencer’s Christmas penny bazaar.

Thousands of eager shoppers excitedly queued to get their hands on some top quality festive treats for the bargain price of just one penny.

It took just four hours for 5,000 customers to snap up every one of the 30,000 exclusive Christmas gifts that were on offer in store.

From 8.30am until 1pm, the queue snaked around the outside of the store in Hedge End for hours as bargain-hunters patiently waited to make a start to their Christmas shopping.

Whether it was a quick stop off on their way to work, a family outing, or an unsuspected surprise while doing the weekly shop, the excited crowds rummaged through at speed to see what goodies they could bag.

From luxury Christmas chocolates, to snazzy ties and vintage notebooks, no one left disappointed as they headed home tightly gripping their red and white bag full of delights.

The festive-themed bazaar was back by popular demand as the Christmas climax of Marks and Spencer’s 125th birthday celebrations.

Dancers from the English National Ballet’s production of Giselle, currently being performed at the Mayflower, joined staff to launch the event and keep shoppers entertained as they queued.

Mum and daughter Denise and Sarah Taylor-Rose from Hedge End, accompanied by Sarah’s toddler, Max Bell, didn’t have to wait long before they got a glimpse of the treats on offer.

Sarah, 35, said: “It is absolutely brilliant and a great idea. We didn’t have to queue very long at all and all the staff have been great, explaining what we had to do. All these items are great stocking fillers, so it is a relief to get the Christmas shopping started.”

Each customer was allowed to pick a maximum of five items for a minimum donation of one penny, but with proceeds going to St Francis Animal Shelter, most were willing to donate more.

Gary Buckingham, store manager, said: “We were extremely excited to host this Christmas Bazaar and just by looking at the queues outside, you can see it has been a phenomenal success.

“It has been a great event to end Marks and Spencer’s 125 years celebrations.”

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