Shoppers have been flocking to Highcross Leicester in its first week, with more than 600,000 visiting the new centre.
The £350 million shopping centre opened on September 4 and traders say it has been a resounding success.
Martin Traynor, managing director of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: "This has been a fantastic week.
"It's far above our expectations. Clearly with this type of interest and support, this will confirm Leicester as a regional shopping centre.
"Inevitably there are some challenges in the High Street at the moment.
"We've seen some of the large retailers announcing a reduction in profits.
"We've also seen other retailers such as Morrisons and Thorntons announcing considerable gains.
"I still believe Leicester is in a good position to capture the spend to be able to ride out this retail recession."
At the new John Lewis department store, trading has been 37 per cent higher than predicted, with women's clothes and beauty products and John Lewis's own brands performing especially well.
Managing director Amanda Dammers said: "It has been fantastic.
"Women's fashion and accessories, as well as children's clothing, have been particularly strong.
"I'm really confident about the position going forward to Christmas."
At the Canas y Tapas restaurant, almost 400 Spanish omelettes have been served, more than 200 Spanish cocktails shaken and more than 1,600 pints pulled.
Managing director Parvez Bhatty said: "We are absolutely delighted with the success in our opening week and have had a really positive response from customers.
"In Spain, you see every sort of person, young or old, alone or with friends, enjoying tapas and it's that relaxed and comfortable ambience that we can offer.
"We hope to continue our opening success and introduce many new faces to Spanish culture at the heart of their community."
Dena Chohan is store manager of Cruise, the upmarket designer fashion store.
She said: "Cruise has had a fantastic first week in Highcross.
"Customers have been really enthusiastic about the brand mix on offer, with brands such as D &G, Stone Island and Marc by Marc proving tremendously popular in menswear - customers are already asking when we will be getting our next deliveries in.
"Womenswear is also performing strongly with Mulberry, D &G and Juicy flying out the doors.
"Customers are saying that Highcross and Cruise are what Leicester has been crying out for."
Tom Nathan, Highcross centre manager, said: "We're delighted that so many people have come. We're pleased that people are staying and enjoying their experience. We're getting fabulous comments from visitors."作者: lemonbunny 时间: 2008-9-14 22:52