Footfall, Sales, and New Brands Boost Performance

  • 9.2% year-on-year footfall increase in 2024
  • 15.8 million visitors, a 10% increase from 2023
  • Sales performance up by 5.3% compared to the previous year
  • F&B, sports fashion, and health & beauty experienced the biggest uplift
  • Beauty alone increased by 8.2%
  • Two million visitors in December, up 2.9% from December 2023
  • Final week’s footfall outperformed year-on-year by 30%
  • 17 existing tenants upsized or refurbished stores
  • Introduced 21 new brands in 2024, including Sephora, Mango and Reiss
  • River Island, Primark, Victoria’s Secret, and Clarks committed to the destination
  • Ben Cox from CBRE: ‘positive trading results over festive period’
  • Continual investment in Metrocentre and healthy pipeline for 2025

Metrocentre experienced a record-breaking year with a 9.2% increase in footfall in 2024, welcoming 15.8 million visitors, a 10% rise from the previous year. Sales also surpassed the previous year by 5.3%. F&B, sports fashion, and health & beauty sectors saw the most significant uplift, with beauty alone increasing by 8.2%. In December, two million visitors were recorded, up 2.9% compared to December 2023. The final week’s footfall outperformed by 30% year-on-year. During 2024, Metrocentre introduced 21 new brands like Sephora, Mango, and Reiss, while four existing tenants – River Island, Primark, Victoria’s Secret, and Clarks – committed to the destination. Ben Cox from CBRE, asset managers of Metrocentre, expressed delight over the positive trading results during the festive period and ongoing growth. The center continues to invest in itself for 2025 with a strong pipeline of new leasing activities.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about Metrocentre’s footfall increase, sales performance, and the introduction of new brands in 2024. It also includes quotes from a relevant source, Ben Cox, director at Sovereign Centros. However, it lacks context on how these numbers compare to other shopping centers or industry standards, making it difficult to fully evaluate the significance of the increase.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the increase in footfall and sales performance at Metrocentre, as well as the introduction of new brands and store expansions. It also includes quotes from a director to support the claims made. However, it could benefit from more analysis or context on why these increases occurred and how they may impact the future of retail and shopping centers.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the financial performance and growth of Metrocentre, a shopping destination, including footfall increase, sales performance, and new brand introductions. However, it does not mention any direct impact on financial markets or specific companies.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no mention of an extreme event in the text.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk