BALLYMENA's Fairhill Centre is the latest in the north to report a festive trading boost.
Continuing the positive trend within shopping centre retail, Fairhill recorded a 10 per cent increase in footfall over the Christmas and New Year period, compared to the previous year.
The Co Antrim shopping destination recorded a 9 per cent uplift in footfall over the week December 22 to 29, in comparison to 2017, while a 7 per cent spike was recorded across the month of December compared to the corresponding period a year ago.
Fairhill Centre manager, Natalie Jackson said they are delighted with the latest figures.
"The centre was extremely busy throughout the period with tenants dealing with the Christmas and sales’ rush.The last quarter of 2018 saw a reasonable increase of 2 per cent on footfall, in addition to the festive footfall figures. We are looking forward to 2019."
“Even though we all know it can be challenging at times on the High Street, these statistics show that the Fairhill Shopping Centre in Ballymena is a very favourable destination for people far and wide given the great mix of high street, independent retailers and eateries within the centre," she added.
The positive news at Fairhill comes hot on the heels of Next recommitting at the centre until 2024 and the opening of a further four retail units last year.
Fairhill is the latest shopping centre to report positive retail figures after Buttercrane in Newry, Craigavon's Rushmere and Foyleside in Derry.
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