SHOPS in Clacton are experiencing a boom in business as people try to bag a bargain in the January sales.

Some stores have seen people flood through the doors, with managers hopeful of achieving record sales over the next week.

The Clacton Factory Outlet has seen particular benefits from the festive period.

Outlet manager Alan Hassell said that the shopping centre has seen a huge increase in visitors and spending.

He said: “We are already well up on last year. Footfall is up by about 28 percent, a really significant increase.

“Spending per head is also up by 16 percent.

“Hopefully we are looking at record sales this year.”

One of the reasons for the increase in trade is people trying to get their shopping in before the VAT rise on January 4.

VAT will rise by 2.5%, meaning that the price of products will increase in many stores, as the government attempts to generate more revenue and balance Britain's books.

Chairman for Clacton's Chamber of Trade Pierre Oxley said: “I think the sales will have a mixed effect on shops.

“Some of the bigger retailers will benefit, because a lot of people are going out and spending decent sums, and a bit more than they normally would on big items like televisions.

“By buying them now they avoid the added cost that will come in next week.

“The smaller stores are still finding things challenging though.

"It has been one of the most challenging years ever to be a small retailer, and I don't see that changing soon.”