A number of high-street fashion chains have opted to go on seasonal sale early this year in a bid to shake shoppers out of their torpor and shift summer stock. Bargain-conscious consumers have been anticipating keen discounts because a combination of poor weather and, in some cases, mis-judged fashion lines has left stores such as Zara, Mango, House of Fraser, Hennes and Debenhams concerned that they may have too much unsold stock.