DESPITE fears of recession both in Britain and abroad, business in Bromley seems to be booming as Christmas approaches.

Glades shopping centre chiefs say more than 500,000 people a week are visiting the mall.

Shoppers from throughout London and Kent have swelled the streets, leading traders to predict one of the best Christmases ever.

Transport problems have been suggested as one of the reasons London's second most popular shopping destination is seeing more trade than usual.

Town centre manager James Findlater said: "While 70 per cent of our visitors live within a five mile radius, reports from traders indicate that people from Sevenoaks and even Tunbridge Wells are coming to shop here.

"Attractions like the German Market are pulling people in, and we also find that people drive here because car parks get full at the big out-of-town shopping centres.

"Apart from this, the railways haven't got a great reputation and I think a lot of people don't like using them to go up into central London."

And Christmas shopping is no longer just a female preserve, men are at it too.

Toni Walker, who manages underwear store La Senza, said: "Early Christmas trade has been encouraging, in particular our luxury nightware is popular with men."

Sales of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings books have soared, and Ottakar's manager Cheryl Mendham said media books such as Ali G and The Blue Planet seem to be popular gift ideas.

Marks & Spencer is expecting the best Christmas it has ever had.

Manager Chris Jones said: "Early indications are that we are looking at an all-time record Christmas for M & S in Bromley, and we expect a colossal uplift in the final two weeks before Christmas."

December 10, 2001 18:06