Footfall at a Bury St Edmunds shopping centre has increased by nearly 25 per cent this year as it prepares to welcome another big name retailer.
The arc Shopping Centre has received a boost with the opening of Everyman Cinema in February, Primark in March and shoe shop Deichmann in July.
Phase Eight has also moved from Abbeygate Street into one of the two units created from the former Topshop Topman and it was confirmed this week that Oliver Bonas will welcome customers at the remaining premises.
Signage has appeared at the front of the unit to say Oliver Bonas, which specialises in fashion, jewellery, homeware and furniture, is opening soon.
Allan Hassell, manager of the arc, said they were delighted to have the retailer join the shopping centre after the ‘hugely successful’ recent store openings of Primark, Everyman Cinema, Deichmann and Phase Eight.
“This year we have seen a significant increase in our footfall of nearly 25 per cent for the year to date, and it’s great to be part of such a beautiful town, with a fantastic range of major and independent retailers, restaurants, tearooms, coffee shops, leisure and culture,” he said.
“We thank all of our customers for shopping at arc and Bury St Edmunds and we look forward to welcoming even more new faces once Oliver Bonas is open.”
Mark Cordell, chief executive of Our Bury St Edmunds Business Improvement District, said Oliver Bonas opening a shop in Bury was another indication of how positively the town was perceived by major brands.