FESTIVE shoppers have been out in force in Kidderminster, lured by the town's new Weavers Wharf development and extra parking.
Delighted traders have reported a "significant" upturn in the number of people visiting the town in the run-up to Christmas, with hopes high of a late spending boom.
Marks & Spencer manager Mandy Williams said there had definitely been a surge in interest in the town since the opening of the £60 million canalside shopping complex.
"There are definitely more people around with the new shops drawing people in who then go on to explore other areas of town. It's definitely having a knock-on effect. There is also extra parking available now with the new car park at Weavers Wharf.
"Our November sales figures were good - not outstanding, but certainly positive. We are particularly hoping that shoppers will be attracted in by our extended opening hours in the run-up to Christmas."
The store, which is due to move to Weavers Wharf by Easter from its existing base in High Street, is opening on Sundays and until 8pm on Thursdays throughout December. It also opens until 8pm on Friday, December 19, Monday, December 22 and Tuesday, December 23.
Mrs Williams also revealed the new M&S store, which will be almost double the size of the existing premises, will include the prestigious Per Una clothing collection and Caf Revive.
Margaret Moon, manager of Kidderminster's Swan Centre, said the town was certainly busier and more vibrant than it had been for some time.
"The new development has certainly had a positive effect with our footfall figures for November up quite significantly. The town has started to feel the benefit but, at the same time, shoppers are being cautious with their spending."
The manager of Great Expectations gift shop in Coventry Street said more shoppers appeared to be visiting from further afield, drawn in initially by the new development. "It's too early to assess the full impact but the signs are promising. Certainly there appear to be more visitors from away coming into the shop," she said.
Discount designer and homewares store De Bradelei Mills and neighbouring department store TK Maxx have both enjoyed an "excellent" opening spell in Weavers Wharf.
And the town's newest store, West Midlands Co-op Travel Ultra, has been its most successful opening ever - pulling more than 1,000 people through its doors in just three days.
The new £1 million centre at Weavers Wharf surpassed sales expectations by more than 80 per cent in the first full week - bucking the trend in what is traditionally a quiet time of year for the travel industry.
General manager Geoff Hurmson said: "We have been delighted with the response from customers and the store's success in the first couple of weeks.
"There has been a lot of positive feedback about the excellent customer service and in-store technology features."
The 5,000 sq ft store's most popular feature is the relaxing "Windows on the World" area with comfy chairs and screens to watch a selection of more than 170 holiday videos.
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