A reporter's unexpected experience at the Trafford Centre reveals a surprisingly calm atmosphere amidst the typical Christmas Eve shopping frenzy.
Most shoppers might dread the thought of visiting stores over the last weekend before Christmas. But for reporter Ramazani Mwamba a last minute trip to the Trafford Centre to buy a gift proved a different experience to that which he anticipated. Heading to the shops over the weekend Ramazani was confused by what he saw. Writing for LancsLive's sister title the MEN, Ramazani said: 'Before I became a journalist, I endured three hard years in the food court at the Trafford Centre .
'Let me tell you - Christmas time was hell. A mecca of commerce, the festive season would see thousands of people cram themselves into the humongous mall - not only to shop until they dropped, but to protect themselves from Manchester's less than forgiving winter weather. 'With my past experiences working there, I expected the worst. Instead, I was left confused. 'During my time at the Trafford Centre, I learned the tell-tale signs the shops would be rammed. A full car park is one. A full car park with drivers inquisitively circling, waiting for that all-important stop is another. 'Another's the queue for Nando's starting outside the main entrance. 'There were none of those signs on arrival. Of course, with it being midday on an overcast Saturday afternoon it was busy, but there was still plenty of space and minimal queues. 'A heaving Trafford Centre can be suffocating. It can turn into a battle for space as an nervous and frantic energy fills the air as shoppers dart about. 'Queues can spill out of the shops. And inside the stores, there can be pandemonium with staff trying their hardest to cope. This Saturday was nothing like that - to my great surprise. 'Punters surveyed the mall with a leisurely stroll. There was always at least one free bench for respite and famished shoppers didn't have to wait too long for a seat in the food court. 'Popular shops like JD, Next, Apple Store, Zara and H&M were busy, but the staff didn't look too exhauste
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