More than 2 million shoppers flooded London's West End this weekend taking advantage of big retail discounts and a traffic-free Regent Street and Oxford Street in the run-up to Christmas, it was claimed today.

More than 1.5 million shoppers visited Regent Street and Oxford Street on Saturday for the Shop West End VIP day, with a further 500,000 visiting on Sunday.

This is the fourth year that the event has been held in the West End, where roads were closed to traffic from 10.30am to 6pm and£1 million of free entertainment was put on for shoppers.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “This weekend has shown how much people simply love the West End experience and once again our retailers have done a fantastic job in showcasing this great shopping destination to the world.”

Selfridges buying director Anne Pitcher said: “It's good to see our American customers enjoying the current exchange rate. They've been shopping with us all year, but with the recent fall in sterling they are spending much more on high-end fashion, accessories and jewellery. They are also spending record amounts on Christmas food, treats and gifts.”

The West End enjoyed a 6 per cent increase in shoppers in November compared with last year. The number of overseas visitors has also increased, boosted by the strengthening dollar and euro against the pound.

In the six weeks to Christmas the West End usually attracts 40 million shoppers who spend some£1 billion. Around 20 per cent of these shoppers come from outside the UK.

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