Intu recorded an increase in footfall at its UK malls during the festive trading period as it focused on enhancing the customer experience.
The shopping centre landlord said customer numbers climbed 1.1% between November 20, 2016 and January 2, 2017, compared with the same period last year, as Black Friday and Christmas drove consumers to bricks-and-mortar locations.
Intu, whose centres include the Victoria Centre in Nottingham, Newcastle’s MetroCentre and Lakeside in Essex, said footfall was “particularly strong” in the first week of the post-Christmas Sales.
Shopper traffic jumped 3.1% across its centres between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
The firm said it focused on providing a “full retail and leisure experience” – including virtual reality experiences and offering visits to Santa’s grotto – to boost footfall and dwell time in its malls.
Intu chief executive David Fischel said: “The growth in the numbers of people visiting our centres during the Christmas and Sales period proves yet again the attraction of our prime regional centres.
“Customers are looking for retail destinations that offer the full package – the best brands, great places to eat and socialise and their perfect experience both at Christmas and all year round.”
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