centre:mk footfall growth outperforms other retail destinations - Destination Milton Keynes
centre:mk footfall growth outperforms other retail destinations

centre:mk footfall growth outperforms other retail destinations

As non-essential retail reopened, centre:mk, one of the UK’s top 10 shopping centres, saw footfall increases of over 240% against the previous week, outperforming other major retail destinations nationally, including Oxford Street. The centre was pleased to welcome back shoppers as they reunited with their favourite stores such as John Lewis, M&S, The White Company and Lush ahead of Christmas with some retailers reporting strong sales, exceeding last year.

centre:mk continues to stand out as a regionally dominant shopping and leisure destination as one of the few in the UK to see footfall growth last year at +2.5%, and the weekend before 5th November when non-essential retail closed, the centre was 33% higher than benchmark. Spend has already been strong with many retailers beating budgets. Top performing categories so far include beauty, technology, childrenswear and jewellery.

centre:mk continues to be a key destination for shoppers, with its convenient layout and extensive breadth of brands. The centre also continues to attract new retailers. World-renowned toy retailer Hamleys has recently joined the strong line up of retailers, opening earlier this month, along with Dune and tech brand, Baseo, whilst Harrod’s new beauty concept store H Beauty opens its doors in spring.

Returning footfall has been welcomed by centre:mk’s brand new Peter Rabbit™ themed Grotto, helping get visitors into the Christmas spirit. One of the largest grottos in the UK this year, the experience provides a small piece of normality for children at a key time of year.

Kevin Duffy, Centre Director, commented, “We are so pleased to welcome back shoppers to centre:mk ahead of Christmas. centre:mk continues to outperform which reflects its appeal and strength of offer. When you combine the depth and breadth of retailers we have with our new Peter Rabbit™ themed Grotto, shoppers can finally get into the festive spirit. Christmas really is for the children and we wanted to bring something extra special to try and make up for what has been a very difficult year for everybody.”