Footfall rise boosts shopping centre owner Hammerson

Bicester Village owner Hammerson reported a 60pc increase in earnings after shoppers returned to bricks-andmortar stores following the pandemic.

The company, which also owns Brent Cross in north London and the Bullring in Birmingham, said: “Consumers are shopping less frequently but visiting our destinations with more purpose.”

Meanwhile, investors were left disappointed after the company revealed there would be no dividend this year. Shares fell 12pc yesterday following its full-year results.

Rita-rose Gagne, chief executive, said: “People are returning to shopping centres. They are moving away from online shopping to avoid increasingly expensive delivery and return costs.”