Thousands of shoppers rushed into Harrods today to take advantage of millions of pounds-worth of bargains as the world-famous store began its traditional winter sale.

Singer Lily Allen pulled up at the entrance in Knightsbridge, London, in a green horse-drawn carriage at 9am to begin the traditional countdown to the opening.

Customer services managers at Harrods estimated that by midday £1 million an hour would be going through the store’s tills.

It came amid conflicting reports about the success of sales across the high-street yesterday, traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year.

Analysts at SPSL said shopper numbers were up 0.1 per cent on last year, while rival consultancy Retail Footfall said they were 2.9 per cent lower.

Hundreds of thousands of bargain hunters were drawn to stores such as Marks & Spencer, Next and John Lewis as some branches opened as early as 5am.

M&S, Next and John Lewis all reported stronger trading yesterday than a year ago.

Spending at the Brent Cross shopping centre yesterday reached a peak of £50,000 a minute.

The success of the traditional post-Christmas sales have been seen as a sign that fears of a spending slump may be overblown.

Shoppers have been able to take advantage of discounts of up to 75 per cent as stores slash prices to clear their stocks ahead of next year.

Dr Tim Denison, SPSL spokesman, said today: “We expected it to be even busier than last year but are still impressed given the somewhat up and down nature of shopper number comparatives this Christmas.”

He added: “The primary stimulus seems to have come from retailers who have really gone to town with discounts this year, making this year’s the ‘Sale of all Sales’.

“Britons have a voracious and insatiable appetite for sale shopping and bargin hunting and so, after just one day’s rest, people have been queuing to get back in the shops.”

Outside Harrods crowds of people, some of whom had been waiting since midnight, were entertained by Canadian opera singer Alexandria Beck and a string quartet.

Lily Allen, dressed in a black, backless, sequinned gown, was met by Mohamed Al Fayed to a frenzy of cheers from the crowd.

Robert Browne, 29, from south London, was first in the queue, having waited outside since 11.30 last night.

He said: “I’m after a plasma TV. As soon as the doors open I am going to be straight up to the first floor. I’m looking for a really good price - at least 50% off.”

Blerina Zeka, 22, from north London, sat outside the doors for nine hours.

She said: “The security guys were really helping us, and bringing us tea. This is my first time at the Harrods sale, but I am looking for discounts like 50-80% off.”

Once inside the shop, Lily Allen took to a stage at the top of the escalators.

She said: “I’d like to thank Mr Al Fayed for giving me the opportunity to open this most famous store,” before joking “Unfortunately I did come in earlier for a bit of a preview so there’s not much left.”

Some of the bargains to be had included £8,000 off a Yamaha piano and £950 off an LG Plasma TV.

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