Basildon's Eastgate shopping centre recorded a massive 1.5 million shoppers through its doors in December.

Figures have surpassed all expectations of centre bosses and are well up on the previous year.

Promotions manager Mike Horton said: "The week before Christmas was tremendous - nearly 17 per cent up on last year and in line with the growth in visitor levels throughout 1999.

"When the doors re-opened on the 27th of December, we were astonished by the huge number of customers keeping the momentum going for the sales."

Barry Jones, Allder's store director and chairman of the Basildon Forum, confirmed the department store had seen a good month.

He said: "We were very pleased with the month generally but particularly with the last two weeks which exceeded all expectations.

"Favourite items from the toy department included the Who Wants to be a Millionaire board game, Pokemon and Furbies.

"Traditionally popular lines such as perfume and nightwear were also a great success while Millennium fever has given sales of dinner jackets and evening dresses plus other souvenirs a real boost."

He added: Various electrical good such as toothbrushes, hostesses and wide-screened TVs were very much in vogue and have continued selling well in our winter sale."

Savacentre recorded a 12.5 per cent sales increase over 1998 figures. Store director Neil Williams said: "We are delighted with the results."

Ladies fashion store, Krisp, which opened just 13 days before Christmas Eve said it was amazed with its trading performance.

Manager Michelle Phillips said: "It was way above expectations and still it continues."

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