Huge numbers in last-minute shopping rush

From Gordon McKinnon, director of operations at The Trafford Centre: "People are turning out in huge numbers to do their last-minute Christmas shopping despite the wintry conditions. "The Trafford Centre has welcomed more than one million customers in the last 7 days and 300,000 of those in the last two days alone. That's just 4% down on the same time last year, but with two big shopping days left to go. "With much of the recent snow now cleared around the Centre and all major roads running freely - including the M60 - and a bright, sunny day in store for us, there is no reason people can't get here to complete their Christmas preparations. "Despite some problems created by the snow over the last few days, it's been a very good season for retailers here. Footfall in the 6 weeks throughout November and early December was up 10% on the same period last year, and retailers are reporting buoyant trade levels. Cafes and restaurants are also well up on last year. "Customers are telling us that our free car parking is a big attraction in these austere times - £10 or more saved on parking charges is a significant amount and could pay for another present for someone! This could explain why Centres such as this one are doing better than many town centres at the moment.”

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