Winter of discontent warms up

Cecelia Browne, a saleswoman at Canada Square Mall's womenswear outlet Monsoon, said: "People are really into colours at the moment. The colours give them hope that the summer is here so they want to get that look.

"A lot of customers are coming in to buy stuff for weddings and special occasions. They're also planning for their holidays so the beachwear is selling well.

"It's all seasonal interest. We have good days and bad days, but there's a balance."

Shoe retailer Dune in Cabot Place East is also benefiting from wedding fever, with customers showing interest in dress-up shoes and bags to finish off the ideal outfit.

Danny Hembrough, manager of men's formal and casualwear store Cecil Gee in Canada Square Mall, is noticing an increasing demand for the hard-wearing casual favourite - denim jeans.

He said: "It is proving really popular right now. We're stocking more than we normally would. I'm not really sure why. It just seems to be something that everyone needs and everyone wants."

Jane Reucroft, founder and director of female fashion store A Gift From The Gods, also reports a summer glow at the tills.

She said: "People want to treat themselves but they want more for their money.

"Our AGFTG logo tees at £9.99 are still our best-selling t-shirt, now in summer bright colours. And anything with a bit of sparkle is flying off the shelves in readiness for summer holidays.

"The men at Canary Wharf are, as ever, romantic, calling in for handbag gifts, now available with our new greetings card range, for their loved ones."

The new thrifty but canny Wharfer has also been spotted by Morshed Alam, a salesman at formalwear shop Austin Reed, who described the mood of customers as "upbeat".

He said: "People are being very careful about what they're spending. It's not that they want to dress down. They want something that's good value.

"They're not overspending. They're buying the right item at the right price.

"Customers might decide not to do a made-to-measure suit, and instead get a normal suit and make do for the time being."