Mander Centre targets retail’s Premier League with new collaboration

WOLVERHAMPTON’S Mander Centre has secured a major new commercial partnership.

The shopping centre has struck a deal with the city’s famous football team, Wolverhampton Wanderers, to become its ‘Official Retail Partner’.

As such the centre will offer Wolves fans unique promotions competitions and events through the club’s website, programmes and membership channels.

After seeing a lot of interest following a recent event, the club and the centre have also committed to working together on a wide range of public and community events to champion the city.

Commenting on the partnership deal, Peter Cornforth, director of Retail at Benson Elliot –the centre’s owner, said: “As two of the major visitor destinations in the city, we see this partnership as delivering real value to the people of Wolverhampton.

“There is a great opportunity to connect our retailers with the city’s football community through staging events, and running promotions throughout the year.  

“Our refurbishment of the Mander Centre, which commences early next year, will see the arrival of exciting new retailers for city centre shoppers and visitors.”

He said the collaboration with the club was part of the company’s long-term plan to raise the centre’s profile within the local community and beyond.

“This partnership adds to the active role we both play on the Economic Growth Board, helping to drive further investment and jobs into the central area, improving the city for everyone,” he added.
 
Laurie Dalrymple, Head of Commercial Affairs, Wolves, said: “Benson Elliot has some very exciting plans for the Mander Centre, some of which are already coming to fruition.

“As one of the few city centre-based football clubs in the country, combined with the club’s investment in data and communications platforms, we are in a unique position help make fans aware of the huge transformation taking place at the Mander Centre.

“More importantly, Wolves and the Mander Centre will be offering some great promotions, competitions and special events for shoppers of all ages.”

He said partnership working had been key to Wolverhampton’s resurgence in recent years and the club believed the collaboration would be beneficial to fans and shoppers alike, as well as local businesses and the City in general.

Construction work on an extensive upgrade of the Mander Centre’s existing 500,000 sq ft of retail space will begin early next year and will be completed by the autumn of 2017.  The redevelopment will be anchored by a 90,000 sq ft Debenhams store, which will trade over three floors.