December busiest month ever for West Bromwich's New Square as 730,000 hit the shops
More than 730,000 festive shoppers flocked to West Bromwich's New Square centre in December - an increase of 73 per cent from last year, bosses have announced.
Bosses at the shopping centre, which opened in July 2013, said December was its busiest month since it started trading.
The figures come as new names are set to open branches at the complex later this year including Specsavers, Charlie Browns, family pub chain Hungry Horse and Claire's Accessories.
Indoor soft play centre Funky Monkeys will open its second base in England at New Square in the spring. While Shoe Zone and Thomson Travel Store opened new stores in the run up to Christmas.
Figures released by the shopping centre show its busiest day was Christmas Eve when 36,000 shoppers came through the doors. On Boxing Day there were 28,000 visitors including more than 500 people who began queuing before 6am the ever-popular Next sale.
Manager Steve Burr said: "We've had a fantastic Christmas with the centre seeing its busiest ever day for footfall.
"Retailers have also reported strong sales figures throughout the period.
"This year New Square has gone from strength to strength with the arrival of new retailers and we look forward to adding new tenants in the coming months."
The £200million shopping and leisure complex celebrated a successful first year, with more than five million visitors and 2,000 jobs created.
The centre has been a welcome boost for West Bromwich.
Ninder Johal, chairman of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: "There was much concern when the idea for the centre was first muted, people thought it would impact existing shops in the town centre.
"What is clear, however, is that the regeneration has in fact attracted more people into the town.
"The A41 underpass and the growing strength of the service and manufacturing sector has also been a big help.
"There is confidence not just from the shoppers in the area, but also from retailers who have take up space at the centre.
"We're pleased with the success of the centre and look forward to working in partnership with Sandwell Council on future schemes."
Work is also taking place on a £7million overhaul of Queens Square shopping centre.
Empty shops will be converted into five new restaurants and cafes in the second stage of a scheme.
Bosses are in talks with major names in a bid to attract them to the new units.
