RSSLowry Outlet Mall embraces MediaCityUK
Published: 2010-04-01 19:39:40
After successfully bucking national retail trends last year, the Lowry Outlet Mall is again reporting growth: a 3% increase in sales and a 2% increase in footfall for the year to date.
The Mall is set to receive an additional boost from the neighbouring MediaCityUK project, creating a 'golden triangle' of retail and leisure attractions including The Lowry theatre (celebrating its 10th anniversary this year) and the Imperial War Museum North.
January sales were hit by the extreme weather conditions, but February and March more than made up for it with sales up 6% for both months, and footfall up 7% and 5% respectively.
Centre manager Robert Hallworth is confident that this reflects a long-term trend. "The Mall performed way above expectations in 2009 and we're delighted with such a positive start to 2010," he said. "The success has been down to strong, targeted marketing to really drive footfall as well as adding some great new brands to our offering."
CACI research shows that the Mall has a more affluent catchment than the average outlet mall. And as the area continues to expand, it is attracting new business organisations and residents.
All that is set to increase substantially as MediaCityUK takes shape directly opposite the Mall. The first occupiers will move in later this year and over the following two years its population will increase to 15,500 workers, including 2,500 that the BBC is relocating from London.
Hallworth believes strong anchor brands combined with a niche product offering will continue to appeal to their loyal customer base as well as attracting those who are new to the region.
M&S, Whistles, Flannels, Austin Reed, Nike, Donnay and Suits You provides a strong fashion and leisure wear offering, with homewares and interiors also being very well represented by brands including Whittards of Chelsea, Wax Lyrical, Bodum, Denby and Black & Decker – all bound to appeal to the influx of new residents to the area.
For businesses moving into Salford Quays, the Mall presents a varied lunchtime and evening dining solution with a modern foodcourt, along with a number of restaurants, including Bella Italia, Pizza Express, Pond Quay, Café Rouge and Lime Bar.
"We're off to good start and are cautiously optimistic about 2010," Hallworth concluded. "We already have a great product mix and there are some very exciting retailers lined up to join us later in the year."
For leasing enquiries please call: Keith Hughes, Leasing Manager, Lowry Outlet Mall 0161 848 1842.
