Footfall on the rise at Shrewsbury’s Darwin shopping centre – as another new tenant opens
The number of people visiting The Darwin shopping centre in Shrewsbury continues to rise week on week, latest figures show. Last week footfall was 16% higher than in 2022 – considerably higher than the national average.
Meanwhile the centre is over 94% let, well above what other shopping centres are experiencing across the UK.
Kevin Lockwood, Centre Manager of The Darwin, said:
“We have started 2023 in a really positive position. We’ve had some incredible new brands open at the centre in the last few months, as we continue to offer shoppers a great mix of national and independent brands in a modern and attractive environment. Our footfall is still rising, and we continue to welcome new brands like Level Up Escapes, Bubble On Cup and HMV to our portfolio, which the public are really embracing. There’s no doubt that 2023 is going to continue being an exciting year for us!”
The latest tenant to open in The Darwin is independent brand LM Hair Extensions – based in The Collective independent traders’ gallery – which opened last week and has already had an exceptional response from visitors.
LM Hair Extensions specialises in real hair extensions using the safest heat and glue free methods and sells a range of hair care products created specifically for hair extensions.
LM is run by Lisa Stephens, who is from Shrewsbury and has more than 10 years’ experience in the hair industry. Lisa had previously worked within two brands in The Collective so knew the space well and had ambitions to open her own hair extensions store. Lisa had been in conversations with the centre’s management team for several months and finally decided to take the leap and open her own store this month.
Lisa Stephens, owner of LM Hair Extensions
Lisa said:
“I am hugely passionate and knowledgeable of this industry and really wanted to bring this offer to the people of Shropshire. The Collective is a fabulous space for local independent businesses, and I was very happy with the support I got from the centre management team in the run-up to opening. The Collective has a lovely atmosphere, and all the tenants truly support each other. I hope other local businesses follow my example – not only to grow their brand but to make Shrewsbury a fantastic place to shop and visit.”
The opening of LM Hair Extensions continues the diversification of The Darwin’s offer. In December 2022 escape room experience LevelUp Escapes opened, which puts guests’ skills and critical thinking to the test. Level Up has had a phenomenal response from visitors, with tickets selling out almost immediately.
Bubble tea brand Bubble On Cup opened in October 2022 and has developed a legion of cult fans and helped broaden the centre’s drinks offer.
The Darwin’s entertainment portfolio has also grown with the re-opening of HMV, who experienced remarkable sales in the run-up to Christmas.
Plus, DVD Megastore and Buttercup Bookshop relocated from The Collective to a stand-alone store in The Darwin at the end of 2022 – enabling the owner Estaban Bridges to grow his loyal fan-base even more. He too is welcoming exceptional sales.
And more developments and new openings expected in the coming months, particularly in the fashion space.
