THE MEADS BUCKS THE NATIONAL TREND

The Meads shopping centre in Farnborough has reported an increase in footfall over the last three months, despite a dip in numbers at centres nationwide for the same period.

Retailers at the shopping centre have also seen Sunday become one of the strongest trading days of the week.

Footfall at The Meads increased by 1.36% in the first quarter of the year, in contrast with shopping figures at centres nationwide being down 0.4% in the same period.

The increase in footfall at The Meads coincides with an increase in customer spending throughout the centre on Sundays.

Centre manager Andy Wynn said: “The upturn in shopper numbers is fantastic news for the town centre, particularly as the redevelopment work continues.

“We are working hard to improve the standards and meet the needs of our customers, while Sunday is fast becoming a strong trading day for the centre.”

Karen Ritchie, store manager at Dorothy Perkins agrees: “We have opened on Sundays for almost two years and have seen trade really take off recently.

“We routinely serve more customers on a Sunday than on a Monday, despite opening for fewer hours.”

Mark Halls, assistant manager at Wilkinson’s said: “Our average spend per customer on a Sunday is around £10.37, this is the highest conversion rate of the week.

“We often see more than 1000 customers on a Sunday, more than any other day.”

The news has prompted other stores in the area to open on Sundays. Sainsbury’s began opening on Sundays from early March, while hairdressers Bumbles is also set to trial Sunday trading.

Terry Shaile, owner of Bumbles said: “Business during the week is going really well, Bumbles’ customer base is growing and it makes sense to trade on Sundays to reflect this.”

The redevelopment of the town centre will create in the region of 30 new shops, along with a Vue cinema, Gala Bingo and Travelodge. The developer, Key Property Investments (KPI) is in negotiations with a number of new retailers for Farnborough, to bring new opportunities to the town.

KPI is a joint venture between St Modwen Properties PLC and Salhia Real Estate Company.

For more information please contact:

Tim Maynard: 0207 025 7581: tim.maynard@trimediauk.com

Rowena Collins: 0207 025 7500: rowena.collins@trimediauk.com