A POPULAR shopping centre has reported an increase in visitors coming through its doors, despite challenging retail circumstances.

Footfall at Yate Shopping Centre in 2017 increased by 0.8 per cent, compared to 2016.

The centre's Christmas period was in line with the national trend, which saw a five per cent drop in numbers, reflecting the current uncertainty in the retail sector along with the pressures on consumer spending.

During the four week period 1.16 million shoppers visited the centre compared with 1.22 million in the same period for 2016. 

Andy Lowrey, Yate Shopping Centre Manager, said: "Visitors were impacted by the particularly cold spell in the run-up to Christmas, the growth in on-line shopping, uncertainty over Brexit and the economy, and pressures on disposable incomes with inflation outstripping any increases in earnings.

“Whereas the December numbers are lower than last year, Yate has held up well against strong competition from other local centres. 

"There have been mixed fortunes for all retailers in recent weeks but the general national trend is about a five per cent reduction in footfall over the four weeks compared to the last twelve months.

“With reduced real incomes, shoppers have focussed on food sales at the expense of clothing and general merchandise, with online shopping showing further steady growth impacting on shop sales.

“The retail market is extremely volatile, however, Yate has seen several new and prominent store openings in 2017, including Bolero Lounge, Entertainer, The Bay Tree and Julian Charles and now has only six vacant units out of 120, well below the national average. 

"So although Christmas trading has been difficult, Yate shopping centre is in its best position for over ten years.

“All-in-all I’m very happy with the way the centre is performing in what are particularly challenging circumstances”.

For further information visit yateshoppingcentre.co.uk