CITY shoppers played their part in a spectacular 59 per cent increase in visitors to Worcester in November and December, bucking the national trend of falling retail sales.
Figures revealed by Worcester BID show an increase in shoppers visiting the city’s stores compared to the same period last year and a yearly increase of 17 per cent.
The staggering figures are in stark contrast to national trends which saw the High Street ditched in favour of online sales
Nationally the year on year visitors to the High Street was down five per cent on 2016, while the almost 60 per cent in Worcester between November and December was almost double the national figure which saw a month on month increase of 32 per cent.
Worcester BID chiefs claim the success of the city’s Victorian Christmas Fayre as wellas the regeneration of Cathedral Plaza have made a significant contribution to Worcester ‘punching above its weight’.
BID manager Phoebe Dawson said: “We know four out of five transactions continue to be made in store and it is therefore imperative that we work closely with our partners to ensure that Worcester is the destination of choice.
“Our shift to a more digitally focused Christmas marketing campaign provided us with a larger platform from which to showcase our wonderful city and its businesses, reaching more than one million potential visitors, tourists and locals.”
City MP Robin Walker praised the efforts of Worcester BID chiefs and the decision to freeze parking charges in Worcester in recent years.
“A thriving city centre is key to a city like ours and keeping a strong mix of independent shops, cafes and restaurants is vitally important to the feel of the city.
“It is good to see that developments such as the new Cathedral Plaza have played their part in driving footfall but also that longstanding fixtures such as the Victorian Christmas Fayre have been more successful than ever.”
“Such success has many parents but I would like to congratulate the Worcester BID for all the work they have put into supporting the city centre, the council for their decision to keep parking charges down and most of all our excellent shopkeepers and entrepreneurs.
“A successful Christmas season for our city bodes well for the year ahead.”
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