A Middlesbrough shopping centre reports "record boost in visitors" despite online sales

Middlesbrough’s Dundas Shopping Centre recorded a major boost in visitor numbers during 2017.

The centre achieved record footfall in three months, reversing a trend of declining visitor numbers over the past five years.

A record numbers of shoppers supposedly visited the Dundas Shopping Centre and Indoor Market in September, October and November 2017. However, with bad weather and Black Friday, online shopping prevented a record number in December.

Richard Wilson, of Dodds Brown, letting and managing agents for Dundas Shopping Centre, said: “Having all the retail units occupied, running some great events and the opening of the LiveWell Centre have all impacted positively on shopper numbers.

“We are disappointed that December did not see a record footfall too, but that was to be expected with the bad weather which affected retailers everywhere and the increasing trend of using on-line delivery services for Christmas presents.

“Across the whole of the UK retail footfall was 3.5 per cent lower in December. With our vibrant mix of retailers and market traders and our regular market events, I am sure we can sustain strong visitor numbers into 2018.”

Anchored by Boyes and B&M, with other national retailers such as Fulton Foods and Cooplands, Dundas Shopping Centre is also home to many well-known local independent stores.

This includes Homefair Blinds, Buckshees Military Surplus, Kindamagic and LD Printing.

Part of the Dundas Shopping Centre, Dundas Market is Middlesbrough’s only indoor market with more than 25 traders selling a wide range of goods including Indian Food to artisan breads and cakes, fashion to furniture.

A small number of market units are currently available for rent.

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