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Huge demand at food stores
From the archive, first published Saturday 24th Dec 2005.
SUPERMARKET bosses reported massive queues as shoppers left it to the last minute to buy their Christmas food.
Stores across Bolton were selling out of some traditional festive stock, with supermarket managers reporting a big increase on last year's trading.
David Gaffin, manager at the Burnden Asda, said: "The customers seem to come later every year and that is no exception this year.
"Our store only opened in May so our first Christmas is very special and we are attracting customers who don't usually come to Asda.
"We had a fantastic day. There is plenty left in the store, all the checkouts are open and we have staff directing motorists in the car park.
"Everybody is being patient, we're all in good spirits and enjoying the build up to the big day."
Ray Barlow, manager of Tesco at Middlebrook said: "It is exceptionally busy at the moment, but we like that. It is probably our busiest Christmas ever.
"We have lots of promotional offers and everyone is in a good mood. I wouldn't say the customers have left it late. It makes sense to buy your food as close to Christmas Day as possible."
David Johnston, deputy manager of Morrisons in Blackhorse Street, Bolton town centre, said: "We're all geared up for the final hours of trading. There's a real buzz in the store.
"All the traditional Christmas food stock is selling very well."
Shoppers were also out in force in the food hall of Marks and Spencer in Deansgate, leaving the shelves bare.
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