Swansea’s Quadrant Shopping Centre has experienced its most successful trading period since 2019, following a bumper December.
Retailer sales across the month increased by 17% year-on-year, while the average uplift across the rest of the UK reached just +1.7%.
Lisa Hartley, Quadrant Shopping Centre manager, said: “These statistics are hugely positive for us at the Quadrant, but also for Swansea as a whole.
“Consumer confidence is on the rise, which can only be a positive for the city. We experienced the arrival of new retailers to the centre in the run up to Christmas, from Goldsmiths and the Ospreys Club Shop, right through to impressive renovations for key, existing, brands, HMV and H Samuel- giving customers brilliant, new reasons to visit.
“The enhanced Christmas experiences across the city from Waterfront Winterland, Swansea’s Christmas Market, and Swansea Indoor Market, helped make Swansea a key Christmas destination for shoppers. It was even listed as the top Christmas destination in the UK and 18th best world-wide, which helped put the city top-of-mind during this key trading period in the retail calendar.”
Russell Greenslade, Swansea Business Improvement District (BID) Chief Executive said: “These figures are extremely positive for Swansea. The Quadrant is such a pivotal part of the city and the arrival of its new shops over the past three months have been vital for enhancing the city’s evolving retail mix.
“However, it’s not just about retail therapy. Our Swansea BID area has also experienced an influx of new food and beverage outlets, from Proud Mary’s and Raj Kitchen to Bowlz and Level 256. Visitors now have even more reasons to enjoy the city centre, and we look forward to watching 2024 unfold as more brands arrive in Swansea as we continue to deliver and amplify our destination management and marketing strategy.”
Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said: “We know how important Swansea city centre is for our residents, businesses and visitors to the city.
“That’s why a £1bn regeneration programme is ongoing there to create a vibrant, mixed-used destination where people can shop, enjoy, live, study and visit.
“These footfall figures are encouraging and are testament to the hard work of businesses, their staff and all involved in the city centre’s running and regeneration.
“A lot more positive change is soon on the way too. This includes the construction of a major new office development at 71/72 Kingsway, which is continuing at pace. Once complete, the development will provide space for 600 workers, which will be a further boost for city centre footfall.
“Discussions aimed at bringing the former Debenhams unit back into retail use are also ongoing, and major improvement works at Castle Square Gardens are due to start by the end of the year.
“Work is also continuing on schemes like the new ‘Y Storfa’ community hub at the former BHS building, and the private sector is forging ahead with schemes like Princess Quarter and the innovative ‘living building’ development at Picton Yard.
“We’re also now developing a scheme with Swansea BID and other partners to promote the city centre, to help raise awareness of everything that’s there – from its fantastic traders and events to all the major regeneration that’s happening.”
