Manchester is continuing the cement its position as the UK’s second city after retaining the title of top shopping destination outside of London – recording an estimated £920million retail spend.
The city’s success is forecasted to continue as the Heart of Manchester BID will be investing £1million annually for the next five years to improve the city centre.
The Heart of Manchester BID, which represents over 380 city centre retailers, have attributed the success to a diverse retail mix and thriving events calendar which has grown in size and stature every year.
Manchester Councillor Pat Karney said: “These figures prove what Mancunians have known for a long time – that we really are the UK’s second city.
“This last year has seen some excellent events, from MIF to Manchester Day to the current Christmas markets, which have brought hundreds of thousands of people into the city centre.
“Christmas is looking bigger and better than ever and we’re looking forward to 2014 being another show-stopping year for the city centre.”
Research carried out by RetailVision provided data from more than 17,000 retail centres across the UK which saw Manchester triumph over Birmingham for the second year running.
In the top 50 centres by revenue, the four which rated highest remain unchanged from 2012; Oxford Street, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow; with all four seeing an increase in retail spend year on year.
Jane Sharrocks, Heart of Manchester BID chair, said: “The combination of a strong retail mix and a thriving calendar of events has undoubtedly helped Manchester to comfortably secure its place as the top retail destination outside of London.
“Vogue’s decision to relocate this year’s Fashion’s Night Out to Manchester is further evidence of a city with a fashion profile to be proud of and it’s fantastic to see retail spend increasing year on year.
“The city centre’s retail mix is constantly evolving and we are anticipating an even stronger performance in 2014, where the city will look to continue driving both footfall and spend.”
Picture courtesy of DaveBleasdale via Flickr, with thanks.
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