While shopping for bargains online is tempting, London is still the place for serious shopping during the January sales.

And this January we can expect recession-busting deals from top names that will warm the cockles of the frostiest shopper.

So put that mince pie down, wrap up warm and head to the capital where most sales start on Boxing Day. There will be some brilliant bargains on offer as the department and designer stores slash up to 70% off normal prices.

Remember, the key to clever sales shopping is to only buy the clothes, shoes and accessories that actually suit you and fit well. Don't buy killer heels that kill or jeans that you'll only squeeze into when you've reached your ideal weight. And only go for the gadgets that you really need.

The good news is, you don't need to camp outside the big stores to grab your January sales bargains this year. Do the sales in style with a London Theatre Break from Holiday Extras. Shop 'til you drop then take in a show and spend the night at a London hotel. You'll wake up bright and early, relaxed and ready for another day of shopping...

Famous sales include:

Selfridges sale starts on Boxing Day and continues until sale stock is sold. Hurry as this one is always a cracker.

Harrods sale runs between 10.00am Saturday December 26 and Sunday January 23 including New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Liberty sale starts on December 26 and will continue indefinitely.

Harvey Nichols; John Lewis; and Debenhams are all great department stores with fantastic January sales.

For super savings on stylish interiors and homewares, head to Heal's and Habitat.

If you can’t face the Boxing Day stampede, wait until later in January when things have calmed down a bit and prices have dropped even further. Bargain hunters and shopaholics, do your bit for the economy and hit those London January sales with a vengeance, you deserve it.

For more information and to book a London Theatre Break visit our Theatre Breaks pages.