Member Article

Merrion Centre reports record number of shoppers and welcomes The Proper Sandwich Company

Town Centre Securities PLC reported over 10.6 million visitors to the Merrion Centre last year. Thursday 19th December was the busiest day with 47,417 shoppers flocking through its doors.

Many of the Centre’s tenants have experienced growth over the last year. Costa on Woodhouse Lane, which has been a tenant in the Centre for seven years, and operates from 3,804 square foot store, is Leeds most popular Costa and experienced its busiest period week commencing 22nd November, benefitting from +double digit sales growth compared to 2012.

Natural Born Cobblers, (shoe repairs, locks and keys) has seen revenue rise 25 % year on year and benefitted from an additional 200 customers between November and December.

The shopping centre as a whole recorded record footfall of 1.5 million people between 18th November and 31st. December. Sales started on Boxing Day with shops offering 50% off selected goods, stores included Superdrug, Boots, Shoe Zone, Yorkshire Linen Company, GNC & Peacocks.

Claire’s Accessories is currently offering up to 75% off which makes them the largest discounter in the Centre.

Helen Green, Associate Director of Estates for Town Centre Securities PLC comments: “Our continued development of the new Arena Leisure Quarter has been a highlight of 2013 and has attracted an array of new tenants including Pure Gym and a second Costa.

“And 2014 looks even more promising, not only will we be celebrating the Centre’s 50th anniversary, we’ve also got a host of exciting new bars and eateries about to open in our Arena Leisure Quarter development.

“These include Spring openings for LAB bar (Leeds Arena Bar), which is part of Jones Bar Group, Cosmo and the Proper Sandwich Company, just to name a few.”

The Proper Sandwich Company is a first for born and bred Leeds proprietor, Phil Marshall, who has worked in the licensed trade for the past 20 years. Phil has invested £25,000 into the opening, and has signed a five-year lease with TCS.

Phil Marshal, MD, The Proper Sandwich Company comments; “We’ve spent the last year conducting in-depth consumer research into what people want from a sandwich and we’re ready to offer the people of Leeds hearty sandwiches as well as wholesome soups, salads and wraps.

“I’m a great believer in putting the customer first and I’m currently recruiting eight new members of staff who will be ready to help me launch our unique offering when we open in a matter of weeks.”

The store is located just 100 metres away from Leeds First Direct Arena, offers outside dining and will open later on Arena event nights to cater for additional trade.

Last year the Merrion Centre also facilitated the opening of O2 Business Centre, the first outside of London, as well as Shoe Zone, Pack Snack and Hair Xpress.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Janie Readman .