Freshney Place looks to the future after a very challenging year
PLENTY OF REASONS TO BE OPTIMISTIC AS SHOPPING CENTRE GEARS UP FOR 2021
THE director of Freshney Place has thanked shoppers for their continued support following a ‘challenging’ year. Amanda Austin has reflected on the turbulent time the coronavirus pandemic has caused for the high street and for businesses.
While admitting there have been some ‘challenging times’ for Freshney Place, Amanda Austin said there have also been many reasons to celebrate. This includes five new independent businesses setting up in the centre, as well as Sports Traider, a charity-driven affordable sports shop.
JD Sports and CEX have also expanded their stores, moving into bigger spaces and offering more options for shoppers.
Amanda said: “Last year was incredibly challenging for everyone and the retail sector was no exception. “The initial lockdown period in March was completely unprecedented and I think we were unsure what to expect when we finally reopened, however with the amazing support of our team, our retailers and the efforts of our customers we have managed to offer a Covid-safe shopping environment throughout the year. “Unquestionably we’ve still a long way to go before the pandemic is behind us, however despite the challenging times there have been some positive stories for us.
“One of these has been the growth of the independents in the shopping centre.
“Over the last year, five new independent retailers have joined us and we continue to receive enquiries from others.
“This new trend is something we think will grow and we know that our customers enjoy the choice and variety of products independents bring. “We’ve also had some real success stories, despite the challenges, with the opening of Sports Traider and the expansion and relocation of leading brands, JD Sports and CEX.” There have also been several losses for the shopping centre, including House of Fraser, Thorntons, Monsoon, and Accessorize.
However, Freshney Place is looking forward to 2021, and have thanked the shoppers who came out to support both independent and high street retailers in Grimsby’s town centre. Amanda added: “The pandemic has changed the way people think and there’s little doubt in my mind that there has been an effort to support local shops and businesses and it’s this positive spirit which has really helped the shopping centre perform above the national standard and seen the return of such a healthy but safe level of footfall.
“We’d like to extend our thanks to everyone who has supported us this year and continued to respect the rules, we can only hope that 2021 sees us move forward together and put the pandemic behind us.”