For Londoners who felt they hadn't done enough shopping yet and wanted live music as the backdrop to more retail therapy, Florence and the Machine opened the Harrods winter sale on Tuesday
Arriving at the store in a green double-decker bus, the band's fashionable British singer Florence Welch donned a very warm-looking Chanel ensemble as she performed for waiting shoppers -- some of whom had camped out on the pavements overnight.
It was the first time a band has done the honours in kicking off the festive discount frenzy at the world-famous London department store.
Fans weren't disappointed as she belted out 'What the Water Gave Me' and new track 'Shake it Out'.
Inside, despite the economic gloom, trade seemed pretty brisk, with many happy shoppers tracking down their fashion must-haves.
SOUNDBITE: Faye Tasker, British shopper, saying (English):
"I've got a Burberry mac which is the one I've always wanted so it's been good - just a bit stressful. "
For some though it seemed this WAS more of an austerity Christmas sale
SOUNDBITE: Cone Sitsma, shopper from Holland, saying (English):
"Just a bar of chocolate."
Reporter: "So you didn't spend a lot?"
"No I didn't."
Reporter: "How much did you spend?"
"Three pounds seventy five (2.35 USD) . Not very much."
But with discounts of up to 50 per cent on high-end designer goods, London-based bargain hunters are sure to keep the tills ringing for some days to come .
Edward Baran Reuters London
