Town Centre Bucks National Trend

BOOTLE Town Centre is still attracting more shoppers despite the recession, latest figures show. Footfall at the Strand Shopping Centre is 2.3% up on 2008 figures while the national trend for High Streets is down on last year by 4.3% for the month of May (Springboard High Street Index). However, in the quarter from April to June there have been a number of closures of shops in the Town Centre, including those from national chains, which have had an impact on the Strand.

 “Inevitably, given the current economic climate, Bootle will be affected like every other part of the country, “ said Chris White, Bootle Town Centre, Manager. “ However, despite these closure the footfall figures are very encouraging and show that Bootle is still regarded as an attractive and vibrant place to shop.”

 The Town Centre Manager project, funded via the Business Neighbourhoods project of Stepclever, is working in partnership with Bootle Town Centre Partnership to help businesses with in the Bootle Town Centre area during the economic downturn.

 During the last quarter a number of events have been staged including;

• The inaugural Bootle All Together Better Awards saw local business, community and volunteer representatives receive accolade for their efforts in working to regenerate Bootle.  
• The Strand Shopping Centre held an Environmental week during half term.. The aim of the event was to raise awareness of the issues of global warming, recycling and healthy eating. Bootle Town Centre Management supported the event by supplying 11 businesses with reusable jute bags to give to their customers and cut down on the use of plastic bags.. All the businesses involved commented on how well the bags were received by their customers In all 1500 bags were given out over the six days.

The Town Centre web site, www.visitbootle.com has been updated with a listing of all businesses in the Strand shopping centre and along Stanley Road. This gives users the facility to check which retailers are in the town and their contact details.. The website also has information on events and activities that are taking place in Bootle a blog from the Town Centre Manager and information on jobs, travel and safety too.