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Sweaty Saturday: Brits go mad for sportswear in biggest shopping day

12th January 2013 Print

Today (Saturday 12th January) is the biggest day of the year for sales of sports and active wear, according to department store Debenhams.

Dubbed ‘Sweaty Saturday’, it’s the day that many Brits will hit the high street in search of new gym gear, hoping to find that extra boost of inspiration to stick to their new healthy January regimes.
Sales of sportswear is expected to quadruple on ‘Sweaty Saturday’, with stock being bought into stores specifically to cope with this demand.

Just days into New Year’s gym and fitness resolutions, the nation’s health kick is on a high, with people joining gyms, eating healthily and cutting out booze completely.

Sales of gym clothing have already increased versus the beginning of December, with Pineapple sports leggings up +300%, sweat tops up +275%, workout tops up +260%, Elle fat reducing pants up +1000% and men’s trainers up +13% as people are signing up to the gym and exercise classes for their New Year healthy start.

TV presenter and Debenhams designer Jenni Falconer commented: “January is a great time to get fit and shape up after over-indulging over the Christmas period.

“In order to stick to your resolution, I'd recommend being realistic and setting yourself manageable targets to achieve results – this will ensure you don't stray from the path to achieving your goal!

“The right sportswear is essential for comfort, confidence and effectiveness. I always tend to update my workout wardrobe in January as it gives me that extra boost to get me going!”

Based on the same weekend last year, all get-fit gear is set to be a big cash taker on Sweaty Saturday across men’s, women’s and kids sportswear, as the whole family get fit.

“By the time the New Year rings in, shoppers are sick of their muffin tops and too-tight jeans, and wanting to get fit and lose the bulge.

“Swimwear-clad celebrities such as Rihanna, Jamie Redknapp, Alexandra Burke, Rita Ora and Kimberley Walsh on sun-drenched New Year breaks also add inspiration, as they are pictured lapping up the exotic sunshine looking trim and toned” adds Debenhams spokesperson, Michelle Dowdall.

Following Sunny Sunday (Sunday 6th January), which saw the highest number of holiday bookings take place, the nation is inspired to banish the Christmas bulge and get fit for their recently booked summer break.

With summer stock starting to arrive in store, customers are looking forward to the warmer months when they will dare to bare more flesh – and want their wobbly bits banished quickly!

Top selling sports items at Debenhams

1. Tracksuit bottoms
2. Sports leggings
3. Sports bras
4. Vest tops
5. Shorts
6. Tracksuit tops
7. Sweatshirts
8. Trainers
9. Sports socks
10. Swimsuits