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Clacton Shopping Village in Essex has experienced a “record-breaking” 2023 after welcoming a new high of 1.6 million shoppers and sales of £21m for the first time.
The shopping destination, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, saw a record £630k taken in the week leading up to Christmas when almost 40,000 customers visited the mall.
During 2023, the shopping village also had all its 22 units occupied after the arrival of local baby and toddler business, Little Uns, and the return of outdoor clothing retailer, TOG 24.
In addition, Clacton also had leisurewear retailer, Cotton Traders, move to a larger unit and JD Sports sign a new five-year lease.
Charles Dring, of CHD Property, which was responsible for filling the units at Clacton, said: “Clacton is a real success story and we have worked very hard over the last five years to develop its offer which includes a significant local element.
“It has the only JD Sports clearance store in the UK, an M&S Factory Outlet and Home Bargains as the three anchors and it hits the nerve of what its market wants. It is well run and managed. It is well maintained and marketed and it delivers what its customers want.”
He added: “They took some bold decisions a few years back to transform what was a factory outlet into a versatile, user-friendly shopping centre and those decisions have paid off.”
Leanne Pfrang, operations manager for Clacton Shopping Village, said: “We are pleased with the trend of new openings here at Clacton Shopping Village with no shortage of enquiries for space and when retailers come to Clacton, they are always pleased with what they see here.
“We have major retailers such as Home Bargains, Cotton Traders and JD Sports here and have also seen a steady stream of small, independent shops opening and this is very much in keeping with the retail offer of the town.”
She added: “Our role in helping businesses start up here has been important and we have seen independents like Little Uns and Kennedy’s Furniture and Beds establish themselves.”
