Retail centre forecasts record Xmas visitor levels since before pandemic

More than four million people are forecast to visit the Liverpool One retail centre in the run up to Christmas, making it the busiest period for the site in five years.
Bosses at the centre say record numbers of shoppers and merry-makers will contribute to its best season since before the Covid-19 pandemic struck.
They are also anticipating a seven per cent year-on-year increase in sales by the end of 2024, while footfall is expected to be three per cent higher than 2023.
Both place Liverpool One considerably ahead of national trends, based on data from Shoppertrak and the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the centre claims.
A key driver of the anticipated performance is the ongoing evolution of Liverpool One in 2024, with 13 new brands opening in the past year.
These include Montirex, Tag Heuer, AllSaints and Flight Club, while Sephora, Uniqlo and TFG London’s Hobbs, Phase Eight, Whistles and Inside Story will be making their Liverpool One debuts in 2025.
Donna Howitt, place strategy director at Liverpool One, said: “Our achievements this year have set us up for what we anticipate will be our busiest festive season, surpassing performance figures since before the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As we enter into the busiest time of year for retail, we’re optimistic footfall will continue to remain ahead of national trends – this is a true testament to the breadth of choice and activities we have at Liverpool One.”