Hundreds of ladies from the Black Country packed a punch in the credit crunch when they enjoyed an evening of retail therapy – and got themselves in the mood for the festive party season.

There was no sign of the gloomy economic crisis at Beatties department store in Wolverhampton last night as almost 600 women turned out for its annual beauty and fragrance gala evening.

While the credit crunch might drive them to seeking out bargains at cut-price supermarkets, it has not dented their devotion to make-up and fragrance brands. Gala night guests shopped ’till they dropped in the store’s cosmetics department, splashing out on Christmas presents and treats for themselves, while picking up beauty tips for the party season at the same time. And the beauty extravaganza not only provided them with the opportunity to make a start on their Christmas shopping, but it also put them in the mood for the party season with beauty consultants at the House of Fraser store providing make-up and skincare demonstrations.

Mother and daughter Jenny Semilia, 48 and Kerry Weightman, 23, of Perton, Wolverhampton, said they were being careful when it came to spending but were still able to treat themselves. “We’ve been buying perfume and make-up and have a great evening,” said mortgage consultant Kerry. “I think we have to be a bit more careful this year but it’s still nice to treat yourselves, which is what we are doing,” she added.

Friends Rita Miles, of Codsall and Clare Jones, of Coven, said the shopping event put them in the mood for Christmas. “It’s not just about shopping – it’s also a great social evening,” said 60something grandmother Clare.

“Ladies will always want their beauty products, credit crunch or no credit crunch” she said.

Debbie Benton, 43, landlady of the Gunmakers Arms, in Bradmore, Wolverhampton, enjoyed her night out with a group of friends. “We come every year and it really is good,” she said.

Beatties manager Paul Sutton, said: “With so much doom and gloom over the credit crunch it’s great to see so many people have supported us.”