Bagging a bargain at the Boxing Day sales....

Following the build-up and excitement of the festivities it can all fall a bit flat, but for many the Boxing Day sales - and the prospect of bagging those all important bargains - are something to look forward to.

In bygone times sales were a unique opportunity to make great savings and savvy shoppers took full advantage of the price slashing to prepare for the following year's celebrations.

How times have changed? These days sales come around so frequently throughout the year as shops persuade us to part with our cash for all manner of occasions that it's almost taking the thrill and the excitement out of bargain hunting.

Boxing Day sales were an event in themselves with shoppers queuing around the block just to get their foot first over the threshold and their hands on the cheaper products inside.

However, as our photo gallery from the archives shows there appears to be a little more respect and diplomacy when bargain hunting back then.

Bargain hunting expeditions appeared to be quite dignified when compared to the images of the Black Friday scrums where people are literally battling to get their hands on bargain flat screen TVs - and anything else they can get hold of on the shelves!

Looking back shows us what a refreshing change it was to live in a society where shoppers actually had to go out and look for bargains, and, perhaps sparking up a conversation with a fellow purchaser in the process, instead of having an invisible presence sitting behind a computer screen and snapping up everything at the touch of a button, often, quite simply, because it is reduced rather than being of a necessity.

With the ease and convenience of shopping from the comfort of your own home - or wherever you may - it's no wonder the popularity of online shopping is exploding.

Sadly, though, it does make us contemplate the very real prospect that it could be to the detriment of our high street as we know it today.

The advantage of shopping in a virtual world is it is instant, you avoid the queues and, therefore, reduce the stress but it isn't as much fun.

There's the thrill of seeing something you really like, and even better when it is half the price it was before Christmas. There is the exchanging of friendly banter between your fellow bargain hunters and shop assistants.

Technology is taking away the personal touch and there is a real concern that the art of conversation and communication will be lost too.

Also by actually going and looking at what you're intending to purchase you can make the decision whether you really like it or not, and whether it will serve a purpose or, if it's clothes you are seeking, then a photograph cannot tell whether it will fit and often sizes can be deceptive.

Talking about shopping experiences reminds us also of Bradford's long lost department stores; Busby's, the grandiose store formerly on Manningham Lane before the building was destroyed by fire and lost forever.

Our recent recollections from the archives of the store's Santa's Grotto and Christmas experience sparked many fond memories for readers, particularly those who remember visiting the store as a child.

And, of course, who could forget Brown, Muff & Co, latterly Rackhams, the interior of which was a sight to behold in itself with gilt handrails and quality fittings.

This wasn't just a shopping experience, it was a day out in fine surroundings and there would certainly be something to tempt shoppers to put their hands in their pockets, or purses, so the pleasure of returning with a purchase - an outfit, new bag, a gift for someone or perfume perhaps, was a perfect souvenir of their day.

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