No ‘for let’ signs at Victoria Quarter as it attracts the big name brands

Bosses at the Victoria Quarter, in Leeds, said this achievement was due to their ability to attract shoppers seeking big name brands.

Australian fashion brand UGG is due to open a flagship ‘concept’ store in the quarter’s County Arcade on November 9.

Victoria Quarter centre director John Bade said: “It’s inevitable in tough market conditions that some stores will close, but it speaks well of the perception of VQ, both in the city and beyond, that there is a steady interest in the centre from brands wanting to move to the region, meaning there’s rarely a significant hiatus between one store moving out and a new one open-ing.

“It would be wrong to say that we have been wholly unaffected by the economic conditions,” he add- ed.

“Our footfall has dipped slightly against national benchmark figures, but it was also well up in certain months which I believe reflects the unpredictable nature of the high street at the moment.”

The Victoria Quarter’s annual ‘Shopping Affair’ event in October, which is often seen as a barometer of shopping trends in the city, attracted 9,500 people.

According to Mr Bade, this year’s new store openings reinforced the centre’s reputation as the destination of choice for brands moving to the region, with Pretty Green and The Kooples opening over the summer.

The Victoria Quarter was recently bought by Hammersons in a £136m deal from the previous owners, The Bank of Ireland.