Bosses at Bluewater are expecting £2 million worth of Bluewater gift cards to be redeemed in the sales.

While some of the country is sleeping off a Christmas Day feast, Boxing Day bargain-hunters will be out in earnest at the Greenhithe shopping centre.

With more than 300 retailers, a bumper day of sales is expected as many reduce their prices by up to half.

Record numbers are also likely to use Click and Collect services.

Predictions are that the top sellers will be computer games consoles, leather boots, New Year’s dresses, branded watches, GoPro cameras and self-monitoring bands like the Nike+ FuelBand.

With sales of Bluewater gift cards up by 15% during the festive period, it expects £2m worth of its gift cards to be redeemed in the January sales.

Coupled with many top brands such as John Lewis, Next, Jack Wills and Tommy Hilfiger holding out until December 26 and 27 to go into full sale, all indicators are supporting a strong sales period.

The expected strong sales come as it's revealed the UK high street may have just had a record year, according to government estimates.

Retail sales are forecast to reach around £342 billion for 2014.

Bluewater general manager Robert Goodman, said: "We are ready for a bumper Boxing Day and sales period with our strongest retail offer to date.

"We expect to see bargain hunters take advantage of offers from Bluewater’s unique line-up of leading UK and international brands.

“With a stellar line-up of stores including John Lewis, Victoria’s Secret, American Eagle, White Stuff, Mappin & Webb, GAME, The Disney Store, adidas Homecourt, Steamer Trading Cookshop and Jo Malone; Bluewater is a great alternative to central London."

Meanwhile, at the Ashford Designer Outlet, bargain hunters have already been picking up huge sales reductions.

The complex was advertising 70% off French Connection and Jaeger items before Christmas - "while stocks last" - plus 75% off Next and Links jewellery reduced by half.

Fremlin Walk shopping centre in Maidstone was already announcing sale items on its Office, Schuh and Superdry products on Christmas Eve.