More people are returning to shop at The Rock shopping centre as footfall numbers begin to reach pre-Covid levels and more brands are moving to town.
Staff at the nearly 13-year-old town centre shopping destination have been celebrating the introduction of several new brands to the town as the impact of the pandemic lessens.
Staff at The Rock, which opened in July 2010, say that there are still some challenges facing the retail industry but that they are doing all they can.
Centre director Arnold Wilcox-Wood said: “Retail has changed since we opened and the rise of the internet and online shopping certainly plays a part.
“We know that people don’t need to go shopping anymore, they can do a lot from the comfort of their homes – but The Rock isn’t just retail.
“We have a huge food and beverage offering as well as a very popular leisure block, including Hollywood Bowl the Vue cinema and Pure Gym.”
Read more: Women's clothing shop Vanilla has opened its doors in Bury
While Marks and Spencer, Primark, H&M, Vue, and Hollywood Bowl (previously AMF) have been permanent fixtures at the centre, there have been notable losses.
Debenhams, Topshop, Paperchase, Infinities and Bake and Take have left The Rock in recent years.
However, brands including The Range, Tessuti, Vanilla, Skechers and Kaspa's Desserts have also been added to the tenancy.
Read more: Bury Paperchase closing down as 'everything must go'
Arnold said: “We are confident this trend of new openings will continue, The Rock is currently 99 per cent fully let.
“Sadly some businesses don’t always survive and unfortunately that can be the nature of the industry, but interest in the centre remains strong and lettings are buoyant.”
Read more: Kaspa's Desserts opens for business at The Rock, Bury
“We know the cost of living crisis presents a new set of challenges for both our customers and our retailers.
“As always, we are planning a variety of events to take place in the centre this year, all of which are free for visitors to take part in.
Read more: Bury's Bake & Take cafe closes after 'good five-year run'
“We are often asked if there is a ‘catch’ to such activity but our aim is to bring shoppers in, keep them here for longer and if we can give them a free prize along the way to encourage spending in our stores we will do.”
Despite Bury’s increased footfall, there have been worries over the past few years as more high streets continue to suffer from the impact of the pandemic, the cost of living crisis and the increased use of online shopping.
Although like many other towns, Bury still has some challenges to face but Arnold said he is confident that The Rock will continue to move in the right direction.
He said: “We are a very modern and inviting centre and we have a very active lettings team and marketing department who work hard to meet the demands of our customers and our retailers.
Read more: Skechers shoe store set to open doors at The Rock, Bury
“The Rock is lucky to be a part of a very active town centre and a visitor can spend the whole day in the town, alongside us are The Mill Gate, the world-famous Bury Market, the East Lancashire Railway and the Fusilier Museum.
“Bury also benefits from being all on one level and all of the attractions being in walking distance.
“We also have a council which is very supportive of retail and leisure and the launch of the new Bury Business Improvement District will also present new and exciting opportunities for the town.”
If you have a story tweet @BuryTimes or @Heywoodharriet_ or email Harriet.Heywood@newsquest.co.uk.
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