Hundreds of bargain hunters braved the cold from 5am to among the first in line at the annual Fenwick's sale in Leicester today.
About 700 people were queuing along Market Street, down Belvoir Street and into Bowling Green Street before the store opened its doors at 8am.
Shoppers also headed to Highcross where John Lewis was launching its clearance sale with big discounts on offer.
Richard and Karen Moseley, from Groby, went away happy after taking up their position in the queue outside Fenwick's at about 6am.
Mr Moseley, 50, said: "We saw and advert in the Mercury about a bed sale and we wanted a new double bed so we can give our old one to our son.
"We got here nice and early and got a £899 double bed for just £134. It was worth getting out of bed for."
Alison Lockton, of Desford, made her annual pilgrimage to the Fenwick's sale to add to her collection of Waterford crystal.
She said: "I got a photo frame that should have been £100 for £40.
"In all I spent about £200 on various items and saved about £150. It is fabulous."
Chris Navarro was able to rest easy after grabbing a duvet and two pillows in the sale.
Mr Navarro, of Clarendon Park, said: "I got a quality duvet and two duck and down pillows for £54 and they should have been £120 all in.
"I am very pleased with my savings. I am going to the races so that money will come in handy."
Simla Devi, from Rushey Mead, had queued early to stock up on aftershave presentation packs for birthdays.
She said: "I have spent £100 on gift sets for male relatives in the family.
"I have saved more than £100 on them and got good names like DKNY and Paco Rabanne."
Across the city James Whitty was happy after investing in a couple of pairs of cut-price jeans from John Lewis.
Mr Whitty, 42, of Thurnby, said: "I heard there was a sale and just had a wander round.
"I saw these Diesel jeans. I paid £80 for two pairs and saved myself £96. I am very happy with that."
Martin Benn and Amy Powell, of Wigston, were at the John Lewis sale with their three children Morgan, nine, Tilly, six and four-year-old Hattie.
Mr Benn said: "We have saved about £30 on towels and face cloths and a pan but we are here for the children.
"They all have vouchers and they are desperate to see what they can spend them on."
