Merrion Centre welcomes record number of visitors

Tue 10 May, 2016

Merrion Centre welcomes record number of visitors

The Merrion Centre, the longest established shopping centre in Leeds, has reported a record breaking period for shoppers.

Footfall across the centre reached record levels in December, January and February, with just over three million visits throughout the three month period, up 5.5% on the previous corresponding period.
It welcomed a huge surge in visitors during the busy Christmas period, the highest on record in December at 1,085,197, a 3% increase year on year.
Visits in January and February were up 3% and 11% respectively, at 946,304 and 1,006,032 people.

The Merrion Centre enjoyed a successful 2015 with the completion of the Merrion Way redevelopment, which included refurbishment of its multi-storey car park, an extension to Morrisons and it welcomed a series of new tenants, including: Smoke Barbeque, Dunkin Donuts, an NHS clinic, Bonmarché and Select.
The Centre also raised £33,000 for local and national charities and has a series of plans and initiatives to raise even further funds for good causes throughout 2016.
Edward Ziff, chairman and chief executive of Town Centre Securities PLC, said: “It’s been a positive period for the Merrion Centre and it’s great to see so many people taking advantage of our fantastic shops, services and ever growing leisure offering.
The Christmas period was particularly busy for us helped by the regeneration of Merrion Way and the new tenant line up and we’re delighted that increased visits has continued into 2016. We strive to offer choice and variety to our customers and will continue to extend our offering.”
Edward added: “Thanks to the generosity of our shoppers we have also managed to help a host of worthy charities including the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, Candlelighters and St Gemma’s hospice.
“In 2015 we raised over £33,000 for key charity partners through activities like the Poppy Stall manned by TCS staff and Santa’s Grotto.”
Bonmarché is one of latest tenants to join the Centre opening a circa 3,000 sq ft unit on the main mall. Since its launch in December, the new store has benefited from the high footfall at the Centre with positive Christmas trading.
Beth Butterwick, Chief Executive of Bonmarché, said: “We are delighted to return to Leeds with a brand new 3,000 sq ft, store on the main mall at the Merrion Centre. The store looks excellent and has traded well in its first few weeks. The Merrion Centre was chosen because of the site’s great value, accessibility and customer base and is proving to be a very successful choice”
Ends
Notes to Editors:

Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS) is a Leeds based property investment and development company with assets of approximately £355m. With more than 50 years’ experience, a commitment to sustainable development and a reputation for quality and innovation, TCS create mixed use developments close to transport hubs in major cities across the UK. Their current portfolio delivers an annual income of more than £22m.