Summer of sales improvements in city centre

IT’S been a summer of improved spending in Swansea city centre.

New figures just released show July’s sales in the city centre were up 2% from the same month last year, beating the national statistic by 0.8%. These figures come in the wake of a similarly successful June, where sales were up 4.5% from the same month in 2014.

July’s figures for this year also show footfall in Swansea city centre was up 3.5% on the same month last year, bucking the national trend where footfall was down 2.2%.

An independent retail analysis company called Springboard put together the statistics for Swansea Council.

Some of the city centre events that took place in July included the Wales National Airshow on the promenade that attracted 170,000 spectators over two days.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “We’re starting to see an encouraging trend in Swansea city centre when monthly sales are showing a continuous improvement on the corresponding figures for last year. This is testament to the hard work of our traders and our efforts alongside organisations like the Swansea Business Improvement District to attract more shoppers into the city centre.

“The sales boost comes at a time when the developers we’ve shortlisted to regenerate the Civic Centre and St David’s sites are about to submit their final bids. Work to refurbish Swansea Market’s roof is also nearing completion and a number of new businesses, including Five Guys and Kaspas, have recently committed to the city centre.

“More businesses will be following suit in the near future, so we’re determined to do all we can to capitalise on the feel-good factor and keep on raising the city centre’s profile.”

Russell Greenslade, Chief Executive of Swansea BID, said: “Following on from June, these are again very positive statistics for us to build on going forward into the next quarter leading up to Christmas. Through our operations in partnership with the local authority, we’ll continue to work to help make the city centre a better place to shop, visit, stay and do business.”

July’s figures also show Swansea city centre’s rangers, part-funded by Swansea BID, dealt with 2,175 incidents during the month, ranging from helping people with their queries to supporting and co-ordinating activities.

Events forthcoming in the next month include the Admiral Swansea Bay 10k and the broadcasting of Rugby World Cup games on Castle Square’s big screen.