Takings rise in Leamington over the Xmas period

[dutchman]

Wories about double dipping and the Euro crisis did not slow trade in Leamington in the run-up to Christmas, with trade only appearing to slow after Boxing Day.



Footfall figures showed an increase on last year’s snow-blighted Christmas - and even on the comparitively warm 2009.

With many sales starting before Christmas, Royal Priors shopping centre manager Gerry McManus said December had been “very strong”, with just under 250,000 visitors - a 17 per cent increase on snow-blighted 2010 and seven per cent more than 2009.

He said: “Talking to retailers they have been very positive. The last couple of weeks have proved to be very strong.

“Every year we the forecasters say the High Street won’t do well and every year shops trade really well because people feel good about themselves at Christmas. They push the worries to one side and want to enjoy themselves with their families.”

His figures were echoed by Leamington Business Improvement District director Stephanie Kerr, who said the feedback she had from retailers before Christmas was very positive, with some saying they had doubled takings for the same period last year.

But while Mr McManus predicted strong figures until the New Year, he anticipated many people would stop spending in January, adding that the Royal Priors would be offering free parking after 3pm from Monday to Thursday during January and February.

Mr McManus added: “Friday, Saturday and Sunday are really strong days for us but we want to stimulate footfall on weekdays.

“We’re fortunate in Leamington that car parking prices are reasonable. But we want to make sure that we remain competitive.”

The idea was welcomed by Leamington Chamber of Trade chairman Norman Stephens, who said lower parking would encourage people to come to the town.

Mr Stephens said trade had been better than feared in December, but the town centre had been quiet on Boxing Day, with many customers lured to large out-of-town shopping centres or staying at home to look for bargains online.

But shoppers were queueing outside Leamington independent record shop Head on Boxing Day when it launched its sale.

Assistant manager Cherry Conquer said the biggest sellers had been heavily advertised series such as Downton Abbey and the Frozen Plant, comedy DVDs and chart albums.