Rochdale retailers thank festive shoppers for December sales boost

Local retailers thank shoppers for supporting the town over the festive period and boosting trade.

Rochdale town centre retailers report that for most, sales over Christmas were better than the previous year.

Mark Foxley of Rochdale Town Centre Management Company said: “The verbal feedback I’ve had from retailers is that Christmas for most was well up on last year.  Some retailers have cited upturns of between 10% and 20% in sales compared to the previous Christmas, with one reporting a sales lift of over 20%.”

Lorenzo O’Reilly, Centre manager of Rochdale Exchange said: “Overall in the main it’s been very positive with retailers reporting year on year growth.”

Debbie Hernon echoed these comments for the Wheatsheaf Centre retailers and would like to thank shoppers for their continued support.

Lorenzo added: “Trade picked up following Black Friday and continued well for businesses, by far the majority of retailers are happier this year than they have been in previous years.

Graeme Fitchett, Marks and Spencer store manager said: “There has been a real buzz about the town centre over the Christmas period and this has been reflected in our footfall and sales on last year.”

Beales department store director Keith Rudman stated: “The department store has returned healthy December sales of double figure growth on last year.”

Boots store manager Mike Webster also reported a boost in Christmas sales: “Boots has had a fabulous Christmas, with double digit growth on Christmas gift sales. We have invested in the Rochdale store with a new digital photo department and contemporary fixtures and fittings.”

Leading independent retailer Chantilly reported sales up on December last year. Owner Marjorie Thompson said: “I wish to thank all of our loyal customers for their continued support.”

Mark Foxley added: “The season started with the very well attended Christmas lights switch on and lantern parade, and I join all businesses in saying a big thanks!  Rochdale Town Centre has over 60 household names and 80 fabulous independent shops and venues, thanks to everyone for shopping locally and supporting your town centre.”

2015 is set to be an exciting year for the town centre, starting with the re-opening of the river Roch and the council initiatives including introducing the first 3 hours free car parking from April and a business rates reduction pilot scheme to attract new retailers into the town.  The new entrance to the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre will be completed before the summer and new retailers including Morrisons Local and Java Coffee Shop are both opening early 2015.”