Member Article

Alive After Five causes surge in shoppers

Newcastle’s Alive after Five retail offer is attracting high numbers of shoppers to the city in the run up to Christmas.

Most shops in the city centre are now open until 9pm during the week, and the scheme has had a marked impact on shopper levels in Newcastle. During the weeks commencing 21 and 28 November, footfall was up 33% and 44% respectively on the same weeks in 2010.

The Alive after Five figures are even stronger, with shops witnessing a 58% and 90% increase in shoppers during the same two weeks.

This will come as good news to retailers, especially in light of the recently released Portas Review, which looks into how the UK high street can be improved.

Shoppers have embraced the new opening times, and the added bonus of free parking after 5pm in all council owned multi-storey car parks has provided an additional incentive.

Stephen Patterson, Commercial Manager, NE1 Ltd commented: “It has been fantastic to see Newcastle so busy with shoppers over the past few weeks.

“In these difficult times, the added convenience of the extended opening times, supported by free car parking after 5pm in the Council multi-storeys all helps to deliver better value for shoppers and makes Newcastle’s offer even more attractive.”

Over the festive period additional attractions including the festive lights, Christma markets and NE!’s monument movies have also helped to retain people in the city centre for longer periods.

Many retailers have also witnessed a marked increase in sales, including department store John Lewis which has reported that sales figures are up by 18.5%.

Barry Blamire, managing director at John Lewis Newcastle added: “As the cold weather kicks in winter woollies, coats and boots are all performing well, while shoppers also busy preparing for Christmas with strong sales in Christmas shop and gift food.

“Technology is also proving to be a big hit with Kindles and iPad2 amongst the most popular purchases.”

Public transport providers have also seen a surge in passenger numbers. Rob Knight, commercial director, Stagecoach North East explained: “Over the last week we have seen a 16% increase in bus usage against the same week last year.

“Great news for the city, that at this time of year when roads become congested, more people are coming into town but are using the bus to travel.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .