Potential Tube strikes in the run-up to Christmas and on Boxing Day could hit retailers’ sales in the key festive trading period.

Underground workers’ strike on Boxing Day, when £120m rings through the tills in the West End alone, could impact London retailers’ sales by between 20% and 30%, according to the New West End Company (NWEC).

The NWEC met with London Mayor Boris Johnson and Transport for London to discuss the impact of potential strikes, the first of which could hit London on Sunday.

The NWEC spokesman said about 96% of visitors to the West End use public transport. He warned: “Any disruption is hugely damaging.”

NWEC launches its Shop West End VIP Day tomorrow from 10am to 6pm, when shoppers can enjoy traffic-free shopping on Oxford Street and Regent Street.

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