“Extraordinary trade at The Trafford Centre”

THE Trafford Centre has enjoyed some of the busiest days in its history this week. Shoppers desperate to bag last-minute bargains, many of whom have been hampered by snow in recent weeks, have boosted the last 4 days footfall total to over half a million people, an increase of 20% more than the same period last year.

Despite these large numbers of customers, Centre bosses report that car parking spaces remained available at all times, and roads around the Centre have generally remained clear and free-flowing. Gordon McKinnon, director of operations at The Trafford Centre, said: “This has been an extraordinary week for The Trafford Centre in terms of the number of shoppers visiting us – yesterday was one of the busiest days we’ve ever had. “We expect Christmas Eve to quieten down somewhat, but it’s clear there are a lot of people still wanting to do some last minute gift-buying, and we’ll be open from 9am for the final day. “Clearly the recent snows have hampered some people from getting their Christmas shop, but our warm, dry malls and free parking are an attractive draw to shoppers who are in a rush and against the clock Toys and games “Our retailers are telling us that toys and games in particular are flying off the shelves – while ladies partywear and men’s fashions are also selling very well.” The Trafford Centre has been using social media to keep shoppers up to date with the scene on the ground, Tweeting from the Malls and keeping more than 40,000 Facebook fans abreast of developments. Debenhams and Selfridges confirmed today that they will remain open for an extra hour on Christmas Eve, to take advantage of the late shoppers pouring into the Centre. They are now set to close at 6pm, with some other retailers expected to follow suit.

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