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Resort's "retail revolution" becomes reality
THREE million shoppers have flooded into Blackpool's Houndshill centre in just three months.
Bosses at the shopping complex are hailing the news as a retail revolution in the resort.
But the shopping boom has not spread across all areas of the town centre.
Outside the Houndshill, while some town centre retailers are doing well, large empty spaces continue to crop up after businesses, such as Woolworths and Adams, went bust in the economic slump.
The 30m Houndshill shopping centre opened in a blaze of publicity in August 2008 – just weeks before the UK was plunged into recession.
But this doesn't seem to have put off shoppers in Blackpool.
And bosses at the shopping mecca say the centre rivals those in other large North West towns.
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As many people start their Christmas shopping early this year it is hoped footfall will be even higher over the coming months.
John Holt, manager at the Houndshill, said: "In the past three months we have had three million people through the doors here.
"This is incredible and way beyond our expectations.
"A year ago over July, August and September we had around 1.8 million through the doors but a lot of the centre was closed due to the refurbishment.
"Once the transitional period had finished we were amazed how many people were coming to see the new-look centre.
"We realise we are in the middle of a recession but to have these numbers coming through the doors still is fantastic and shows Blackpool has become a shopping destination as well as a tourist resort."
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The Houndshill's newest store, Deichmann, has become the best-selling outlet in its chain of stores since opening in the resort.
Manager Lee Gregson said: "We are exceeding our targets by a massive amount.
"I am quite surprised at how good sales are doing. We have a prime spot at the centre which has helped a lot."
At New Look, manager Gillian Parr said: "Although our official anniversary is not until next month we have been very impressed with the sales here.''
Away from the Houndshill, Blackpool's interim town centre manager, Eileen Ormand said the success of the shopping centre has had differing effects on the resorts retail heartland.
She added: "It's been tough out there for a lot of retailers.
"Some of the independent shops are holding their own and we have done our best to make the town centre look more presentable.
"Negotiations are continuing with shops who are looking to invest in the town but tough times are putting some off.
"The Houndshill story is an incredible one and we are pleased with the amount of people it has brought in, long may it continue."
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 14 C to 27 C
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