Despite fears on the high street regarding consumer confidence
in the first quarter of 2012, Nottingham's premier shopping centre,
The Exchange, has returned a strong performance with footfall
higher than national benchmark figures on average. After a
prolonged period of difficult trading in the retail sector, this
further serves to confirm The Exchange's status as the one of the
city's principal shopping destinations.
Centre Manager Neil Fincham commented, "Of course footfall is
only ever half the story as takings in store are the real
indicator. Initial feedback from our stores show sales have also
risen, with some tenants reporting rises of over 25% year on
year."
Broader confidence in The Exchange also remains high, with a
number of new stores looking to open this season. Notable amongst
these is Patisserie Valerie, whose arrival echoes the food
retailing roots of the centre, begun in 1929 with Burton's Food
Hall.
Due to open in the late spring, Patisserie Valerie is a haven of
self- indulgence and offers a selection of exquisite cakes, gateaux
and patisseries, all hand-made using traditional recipes and
authentic methods. They also plan to cater for seating under The
Exchange's renowned domed roof as well as in store, bringing a
truly continental atmosphere to the centre.
Mr Fincham added, "Whilst not at all complacent about the market
as a whole, the new arrivals certainly speak of a continuing
confidence in The Exchange and Nottingham as a whole, which I hope
bodes well for what remains an unpredictable year ahead."