Having delivered a record start to its 2014 trading figures, Newcastle’s only outlet scheme, the Royal Quays Outlet Centre, in North Shields, has reported further growth for the Autumn period.
In comparison to October 2013, footfall increased by 2.5% and spending by 6.5% with forecasts looking positive for the winter months. This follows on from figures released at Easter, which showed that footfall was up by 4% on the same time 2013 and spending up by 7% across the board.
The centre has also enjoyed more good news in October with a number of new tenants about to be officially unveiled in the run up to the busy Christmas period.
A warm summer and a visit from children’s favourites, Peppa Pig and George, helped to attract shoppers, but management and tenants at Royal Quays are confident that the retail sector is recovering well.
The scheme, which consists of 50 stores with national brands and regional operators, has enjoyed low void rates in the last twelve months and an increase in the number of enquiries for space, despite wider pressure on the retail sector and the well-documented issues on the UK’s high streets.
Centre Manager at Royal Quays, Judith Ramshaw, said: “The figures have been strong right across the year during which time we have seen a continuing upward trend in both footfall and spend. Confidence amongst tenants is generally high and we are also seeing an increase in enquiries with regard to taking up tenancy.
“Over the last year we welcomed a range of new names to the centre such as Beauty Outlet, Unique Boutique, Home Designer Outlet and Caffé Massarella, who are sitting alongside well established names such as Nike Factory Store, Next Clearance, Marks & Spencer Outlet and Clarks Outlet.
“The latest figures are very encouraging. As we move into the winter months, we are looking forward to seeing this growth continue.
“We work hard at ensuring our tenants are fully supported whether this is through connecting them with their fellow neighbours on-site, offering flexible packages suited to individual requirements and a range of competitive flexible rent arrangements linked to store performance as well as marketing support.”
For more information, please visit www.royalquaysoutletcentre.com