It has to be one of the most popular days known, Boxing Day 2016 was short of manic in the Walthamstow Market. With ‘The Mall’ opening from 11am–5.00pm, people were up and ready to start looking for top bargains that were on offer in the area. Typically, you’d expect the day to kick off as early as 8 a.m. where stores would open their doors, but surprisingly, Walthamstow had a later start. This allowed the locals to have a much needed ‘lie in’ after endless singing and eating during the special Christmas Day.
Many of us can admit to enjoying the national holiday, but do we actually know where Boxing Day comes from? In the UK, the servants of wealthier people on Boxing Day were allowed to go away and visit their families. They usually worked on Christmas Day so the 26th was time off for the servants, who would also be given a box of gifts and food. Additionally, it was common for tradespeople to be given what was known as a 'Christmas box'. These were presents or money as a “thank you” for their good service. Now, the Boxing Day tradition has become known for shopping, which has slowly but surely moved to online sites as well.
Well known and loved high street stores like New Look and River Island in The Walthamstow Mall were having sales up to as much as 70% off items like clothing, shoes and home accessories. While I was there and having a look around myself, although it was quite busy, people really seemed to enjoy themselves. Perhaps bargain shopping is more enjoyable than people think!
The busiest store was most definitely JD sport, with people queuing outside to actually get into the shop, waiting for it to open. The sports store was offering up to 50% off on women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and footwear! Throughout the day, more and more customers shopped around, adding to the long line of people paying for their new found bargains in JD sport.
All in all, shops were crowded and slightly crazy, but Boxing Day 2016 in Walthamstow was a success!
Blesina Mustafa, City and Islington Sixth Form College.
