Harrods will provide customers with blankets and hot chocolate as they queue on Boxing Day (26.12.13).

Eager shoppers are expected to flock to the prestigious London department store in hope of snapping up cut price luxury items when their annual Winter Sale kicks off on December 26.

Previous years have seen customers queue from as early as 5.30am with some tourists flying in especially for the occasion, and event organisers have taken extra precautions to make sure their customers are well looked after this year.

Harrods Spokesperson, Katharine Witty, said: ''We always raise the bar at every sale opening and this year we decided to do what we do best inside the store - only outside the store. Customers will therefore be treated to fantastic service, canapés, and entertainment while they queue. We even have specially made blankets to keep out the chill!''

Bargain hunters waiting outside the Knightsbridge store won't have to worry about the dreaded British weather either as umbrellas will be on hand to keep them dry.

Shoppers can expect to bag bargains on high end designer items such as an Alexander McQueen Heroine bag, reduced from £2,195 to £1,310, and an Emilio Pucci silk scarf reduced from £240 to £140.

Harrods Winter Sale will start at 10am on December 26 and last until January 19.