Retailers at the Dolphin Shopping Centre maintained momentum during the Christmas period, with stores reporting an increase in trade compared to last year’s figures.
Footfall at the Dolphin Shopping Centre in 2014 was up 1.5 per cent in comparison to 2013, helping the shopping centre to retain its position as one of the area’s leading Christmas shopping destinations. A varied assortment of events and free parking initiatives courtesy of the Borough of Poole are thought to be the reasons why shoppers are continuing to choose the Dolphin Centre.
Top national retailers including BHS, Beales and Marks and Spencer reported better sales figures compared to last year. BHS saw a 2 per cent increase on last year over the Christmas period, beating the regional average and Beales were up 1.7 per cent on last year, with an increased footfall of 1,550 customers. Marks and Spencer also reported strong growth on the year in line with the company for Christmas Week.
Commenting on the success of BHS Poole’s Christmas trade, store manager, Simon Prager said: “The restaurant has been particularly strong for us this season. Thanks to the modernisation of the restaurant in March last year, the restaurant has seen a 15 per cent uplift in trade compared to last year.”
The Dolphin Shopping Centre hosted VIP late night shopping events throughout December, including ‘Ladies’ Night’ and ‘Last Minute Men’s Night.’ These proved to be very popular, pulling shoppers from across Poole and Bournemouth for a night of retail therapy, exclusive discounts and free entertainment.
Centre manager John Grinnell was delighted with this year’s figures: “It’s been a brilliant Christmas for trade at the Dolphin Shopping Centre. Thanks to the creativity of our team, our VIP late night shopping evenings were especially popular and helped make Christmas shopping less stressful and more fun!”
For further information please visit: www.dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk.