BLUEWATER experienced its busiest day of the year on Saturday with almost 160,000 visitors clamouring for last-minute Christmas presents.

Combined with payday, the beginning of the holidays for many and flash sales, the shopping complex in Dartford was swamped.

For the first time, Bluewater is opening until midnight on December 23, with around 30 retailers participating to capture late spend from last minute shoppers. A further 100,000 people are anticipated on Christmas Eve. 

Average spend per group at the centre during the festive period is expected to exceed £200, with the average visit lasting three hours.  A further £20 average per group will spent in the restaurants. 

Bluewater’s general manager Robert Goodman said: “Whilst many consumers have left it late this year, they are more than making up for it now.”

“We expect this weekend’s success to continue into Mega Monday, when we are open until midnight for the first time, and through to Christmas Eve.”