The only way is up for the Dolphin shopping centre in Poole as tenants’ report an increase in sales figures following a successful summer at the Centre.
In comparison to last year’s summer figures, national high street multiples including River Island, New Look, Primark, Accessorize and Animal have all witnessed a growth.
River Island’s August sales were 23 per cent up on last year, New Look was up 18 per cent and Primark, Accessorize and Animal have all seen a rise of more than 10 per cent.
The Centre had a busy summer attracting shoppers with its series of free family events and its pop-up outdoor cinema, which was in conjunction with Poole Town Centre Partnership, was also a massive hit. The success in August is predicted to continue too, with many retailers giving anecdotal evidence that Christmas shopping has already started.
Centre manager, John Grinnell, is delighted with the way 2013 is panning out, boosted by new retailers arriving ready for the Christmas season and major overhauls of existing outlets making a big impression.
John said: “We have worked tirelessly throughout the year to drive trade and to encourage customers to return to the Dolphin centre.
“To build on last year’s figures is very pleasing, and on top of that, it appears as if Christmas has started much earlier for our shoppers.”