Member Article

Feel-good factor at Middleton Grange Shopping Centre

BHS continues to draw customers at a North-East shopping centre six months after the brand new store opened its doors.

BHS launched its flagship two-storey department store at Hartlepool’s Middleton Grange Shopping Centre at the end of January.

The opening saw an immediate 15% increase in footfall at Middleton Grange on the back of a programme of entertainment and activities to welcome the national retailer.

And the feel-good factor appears to have continued, with shoppers and retailers praising Middleton Grange for bringing renewed vitality to the centre.

Billy Reid, who has run First Class cobblers and key cutting store for more than 25 years, said: “I was delighted when BHS came to Middleton Grange because I knew it would have a positive impact on the Centre and that has been the case.

“It’s always important for a large shopping centre to have plenty of choice. As an independent shop, we rely on the big boys to feed off and I often have customers who drop off their keys or shoes with me, then I watch them walk straight over to BHS – it has added to the appeal of Middleton Grange.”

Chris Porritt, who works at the Orange mobile phone store, added: “The launch of BHS was great and I think it gave a lot of the retailers and shoppers renewed confidence.

“It reassured people that Middleton Grange has a lot to offer and hopefully more national retailers will follow suit.”

The new BHS store opened on the site of the former Woolworths, one of the largest units within Middleton Grange. Filling the void left by Woolworths with a national retailer is what has impressed Middleton Grange shoppers.

Sylvia Tempest, from Hartlepool, said: “I visit Middleton Grange three or four times a week, sometimes just to window shop so having BHS here has made that much more appealing.

“People were very disappointed when Woolworths closed because it was such a focal point for the Centre. But having BHS here has more than made up for that – it has a little bit of everything and it’s value for money.”

Muriel Thomas, of Hartlepool, added: “I like having more choice especially if I am buying clothes. It’s a bright and attractive store and very welcoming for shoppers.”

As well as the launch of BHS, Middleton Grange has celebrated the re-opening of Shoe Zone, while J D Sports and Brighthouse have expanded into larger units. Sports Soccer and Home Bargains are also fitting out into larger stores in the coming months.

Mark Rycraft, manager of Middleton Grange, said: “It’s great to see the people of Hartlepool supporting their local shopping centre.

“We have had had a brilliant first half of the year and we are confident the second half of the year will carry on just the same.”

Picture - Mark Rycraft, manager of Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.

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