Opening hours were extended at the shop in Queen Street until 8pm yesterday to allow customers even more time to browse through savings on offer.

Store manager Chris Golder said: “We have had a busy first day to our sale. The rain hasn’t stopped the customers coming out.

“Some of our sales prices are now cheaper than they were four years ago, and we are trying to do our bit to help people get through the credit crunch.

“I am hoping the store will remain as busy throughout the remainder of the sale, and with new lines being added each week, I’m sure we have plenty to keep the customers coming back.”

Although the store was busy throughout the day, the early morning queues of recent years were nowhere to be seen.

The first shopper of the day, Margaret Birley of Oxcliffe, had arrived early though, in an eager bid to have first pick of the bargains.

The 69-year-old said: “I thought there would be people queuing this morning so I came down a bit earlier to get a place.

“We really like Boyes and are looking forward to taking advantage of their sale.

The other early shopper was Norma Skipper, 51, of Crossgates. She said: “I have been shopping at Boyes since my mum used to bring me down as a kid.

“We went to the sale every year and there have always been queues, often right down the street

“It is maybe just the weather that has stopped people coming out this morning.”