16/04/2012
7% GROWTH FOR MANCHESTER FORT IN TREND BUCKING YEAR
Manchester Fort Shopping Park has announced an overall average of 7% increase in footfall to its site in 2011, as well a 4% sales increase, bucking wider retailer trends.
The centre, which is located on Cheetham Hill Road, has also reported significant rises in footfall amongst individual retailers, who have seen their sales figures increase last year. Also the general sales figures for retailers increased in 2011 by around 4% and then a staggering 6% in December.
Manchester Fort has found that all the sales and footfall increases were mainly due to the increase in awareness of what Manchester Fort has to offer. The parks late night trading and free parking, through to strong social media campaigns and retailer specific radio advertising has all increased the awareness with customers in areas surrounding the shopping park.
Centre manager David Wait said This is fantastic news for us and a great boost for our retailers and operators as they start another years trading.
The macro economic situation means that the last 12 months have presented a difficult retail landscape but with the will of tenants to support each others initiatives and a reinvigorated marketing programme, weve been able to grow the numbers of people we attract to the site.
The centre management also believes that Manchester Forts extended opening hours and position on one of Manchesters main arterial routes, mean its a prime option for customers.
The success is also helped by Manchester Fort attracting a series of big name retailers to the site in 2011, with M&S Simply Food, Claires, Clinton Cards and ShoeZone all opening new stores in the last half of the year. It means that the centre is now 98% let with just one retail unit remaining.
David concludes We are thrilled to be bucking retail trends on both fronts not only with the increase in footfall but also because weve maintained a high level of occupancy and are attracting high calibre tenants, each of whom have greatly bolstered our offering.
Manchester Fort is located on Cheetham Hill Road. It is open daily from 9am to 8pm weekdays, 9am to 6pm on Saturdays and 11am to 5pm on Sundays. For further information call the Fort on 0161 832 8838 or at www.manchesterfort.co.uk
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