Manchester Arndale records annual footfall of over 40m
Published: 05 January, 2012
Manchester Arndale has beaten its best-ever annual footfall figures, hitting the 40 million mark on Boxing Day.
This was boosted by Boxing Day crowds of 191,000, a 1.8 per cent increase on last year.
The Next sale on Boxing Day alone attracted around 4,500 shoppers and at only 6.40am the store was filled to capacity. The queue had already started at midnight on Christmas Day, as shoppers snaked their way around the centre.
Centre director, David Allinson, said: “These strong footfall figures are a fantastic achievement for the centre. We were confident we would break the 40 million barrier by the end of the year but to achieve the record on Boxing Day goes beyond our best predictions. Retailers are continuing to re-stock their shelves as the sales progress and shoppers are making the most of the reductions on offer. This will continue into the New Year so there are still plenty of bargains to be had.”
The centre has decided to mark the 40 millionth customer milestone in a special way in the New Year.
The centre is also doing its bit for the environment by providing recycling points where retailers, staff and shoppers can drop their unwanted Christmas cards and wrapping paper.
“Last year we calculated that we saved 17 trees’ worth of paper, as this equals one tonne of paper and one tonne of paper equals four recycling bins,” said Allinson. “We are hoping to exceed this goal this year if possible if everyone gets behind the campaign. As we’re experiencing record footfall totals this year, we’d love to be able to break another record and save some more trees along the way.”
The recycling point opened on 27 December and is open until 8 January.
