One million shoppers descend on Grand Central

in Leader, News

Grand Central has taken Birmingham by storm in its first two weeks of trading, drawing in over one million people in just a matter of days.

After a highly anticipated five-year wait, Grand Central is surpassing all predictions and expectations in terms of consumer visits, sales numbers, dwell time and average spend. With 66 new retailers and restaurants being brought to the city, the crowds of excited and expectant shoppers and diners certainly have something to celebrate, and are demonstrating this through their spending power.

In its opening weekend alone, Grand Central welcomed over 300,000 people through their doors. The million milestone had been passed on Wednesday evening and with Halloween just around the corner, marking the start of the festive party season, the numbers are set to increase steadily towards Christmas.

The success is being felt across the full roster of retail and dining brands. Some retailers have reported a 95% increase on their initial expected sales targets. Similarly, the demand for the dining offering has been so high that one outlet has hired an additional 20 staff members, growing its team from 12 to 32 in just two weeks in order to ensure it meets the demands placed on it by the buoyant Birmingham public.

Jonathan Cheetham, general manager for Grand Central, said; “The million customers is just one aspect of Grand Central’s success. More importantly, our retailers’ tills are ringing and the restaurants are full. Furthermore there are even more jobs being created and the feedback from our visitors is that they love the centre, are proud of it to be in the City, and will be returning.”

Sir Albert Bore, leader of Birmingham City Council, added; “The early visitor numbers and reports from traders at Grand Central are staggering and confirm it is a transformational regeneration project for the city – solidifying Birmingham’s position at the top of the retail league table.

“The increased footfall, which we hope will continue into the busy Christmas period and beyond, will benefit not only the retailers within the new complex, but those based in the wider city centre too.

“Creating in the region of 1,000 jobs and a positive buzz about Birmingham, it is already very clear the council’s move to purchase the former Pallasades complex to help facilitate the New Street Station redevelopment and the creation of Grand Central was a crucial decision for the city’s economy and transport infrastructure.

“Grand Central has quickly become yet another essential reason to visit Birmingham and I would like to thank everyone involved from the staff at the various outlets to Grand Central management to all of the visitors for this early success.”

ENDS

For more information or interviews with key personnel, please contact:

Christie Galloway on 0121 200 0910 /admin@birminghamnewsroom.com

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