Last updated at 16:13, Wednesday, 02 January 2013

A WALNEY man proved he is quick by name and quick by nature after camping outside a furniture store for a staggering 29 hours to snap up a post-Christmas bargain.

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By Ross Tyson

Adrian Quick braved the wet weather, as well as the attention of a few drunken revellers, during his vigil outside Dandy’s in Duke Street, Barrow.

The Silloth Crescent resident had set his sights on a five-piece oak dining set he had seen advertised in the Evening Mail, reduced from £1,495 to just £50.

“I needed a table and chairs and for that price I thought I might as well get in early just to be sure,” he said.

Mr Quick began his mammoth wait at 5am on Wednesday in preparation for the store’s opening at 10am yesterday.

The 50-year-old had his car containing supplies parked nearby – a fold-up chair to sit on and a thick book to beat off the boredom.

Mr Quick said a steady stream of party goers into the early hours kept him entertained.

“There were a few laughing and joking as they came past – and some even offered me money,” he said.

The committed shopper was eventually joined outside Dandy’s at 5am yesterday by bargain hunter Andy Hill, 36.

Mr Hill, of Anchor Road, Barrow, was in the market for a new bed and had seen one in The Advertiser.

He said: “I’m a bit surprised there aren’t more people here, actually.”

When the store’s doors finally opened, Mr Quick’s patience was rewarded not only with the table and chairs, but a piping hot cup of coffee.

“The staff were a bit surprised when they heard how long I’d been out there,” he said.

While Mr Quick was delighted with his purchase, he said he would think twice about taking the same approach in future years.

“If I did, I wouldn’t come this early again,” he said.

Neill Berry, of Stollers Furniture World in Walney Road, essentially started his store’s big sale on December 1 to capitalise on both the pre- and post-Christmas demand.

He said offering discounts all month on his stock was more convenient for customers as it eliminated the need for them to rush down on December 27 and queue.

He said: “It’s doing very well and we’re very pleased with the way it’s going.

“We’ve done a lot of business this December that previously customers would have waited until December 27 to do.

“It’s been very encouraging. Everybody is up-beat and the customers seem to be very happy with the prices.”

Early bird shoppers also visited Marks & Spencer, Next, and Debenhams.

First published at 16:34, Friday, 28 December 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk