For shopoholies, the post-Christmas period means only one thing-sales! Across the country, prices are reducing sharply on clothing, electronics, home furnishings and more, but London is the place for serious shopping, and you can certainly pick up some amazing bargains.
The sales start on Boxing Day-26th December, and continue for the month of January, but the keenest bargain hunters get there early to be first through the doors.In Oxford Street queues formed outside shops ahead of pre-dawn openings for the start of their sales.At Brent Cross, in north London, more than 1, 000 people were queuing at 3∶30 a.m.for the "Next" clothing store's sale which began at 4 a.m.Some eager individuals even camped outside the shops to be first in the line.
Consumers who hit the shops were rewarded with discounts of as much as 80% as department stores joined the sales frenzy.The shops are absolutely crowded as the sales get into full swing, with more than half a million people gathering on London's West End.
Famous sales include the biggest, most popular shops such as Harrods, Selfridges, Liberty and John Lewes.Department stores are always a good bet-you're likely to find everything you need under one roof, including much-needed food and drinks!
It's a good time to stock up on cheap gadgets, and there's no better time to invest in some designer clothes.
Some people are taking their partners shopping with them, and buying their Christmas presents in the sales-a practical but unromantic way of making sure you get the gift you really want, For a less exciting but less stressful shopping experience, online sellers are also getting into the act with January sales of their own.
The most organized of all are those who are already doing their present shopping for next Christmas, in the January sales!
(1)
All of the following are included in the sales except ________
[ ]
A.
fashionable clothing
B.
bestsellers
C.
TV sets
D.
bookcases
(2)
We can learn from the passage that the sales ________
[ ]
A.
actually start before the end of December
B.
generally last for two months
C.
basically benefit all the people
D.
are a time to buy Christmas gifts in a romantic way
(3)
Which of the following is NOT involved in the sales?
[ ]
A.
Individual consumer.
B.
Department stores.
C.
People who are doing the present shopping for next Christmas.
D.
Online shoppers.
(4)
The underlined phrase "hit the shops" in the third paragraph means" ________ "