Mars and Spencer bazaar worth every penny as Bristol shoppers pour in
Some arrived an hour before doors opened at the Broadmead store yesterday to get their hands on stocking fillers including Christmas socks, card games, knickers, puzzles, handkerchiefs, money boxes and chocolates.
Each item cost only one penny - but most people dropped a donation of a few pounds into the bucket at the exit for the Frenchay After Burns Club.
The one-day bazaar took over one corner of the store, and shoppers filed in one by one after the doors opened at 8.30am to pick up five items each.
It was the culmination of the company's 125th birthday celebrations, run on a 'when it's gone, it's gone' basis.
Angela Daynes, 32, a medical secretary from Nailsea, was first in - and was out again within two minutes.
She said: "I've come along for some chocolates for myself and maybe a few other things for presents, then I'm off to work."
Staff in the store wore Santa hats to serve the customers, and there was plenty of Christmas spirit.
The first penny bazaar, which ran over three days in May this year, raised £200,000 for charity.
Abigail Sully, 30, a civil servant from Redland, said: "I have just bought a flat so I thought I would come down for a tea towel. I've also ended up with socks for my dad, and a Christmas stocking for my mum. I love Christmas, so I think it's never too early to start getting into the spirit of things. I sent my Christmas cards yesterday but I have been banned at work from decorating my desk until next week, so this is a bit of an outlet for my excitement!"
Dennis Daniel, 34, a night manager from Fishponds, said: "I think it's a great idea, I'm sure these things are worth much more. I donated £4."
Ron and Marie Coombs, 76 and 73, from Pensford, had come in especially for the sale. Marie said: "Wouldn't it be wonderful if they had things like coats in there for 1p as well! I think it's a lovely idea."
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