By Robert Lloyd
Andrew Stephens, manager of the St Elli Shopping Centre in Llanelli, said the outlook for retail was not all gloomy.
“The footfall count during the month of April in the St Elli Shopping Centre was steady at 496,873.
“It shows we continue to attract huge numbers of shoppers, week in and week out.
“Llanelli has been going through some difficult times as a shopping centre, but the gradual opening up of the Eastgate development and the general refurbishment of the existing town centre can only be good news for the town.
“We are pleased that the numbers of the visitors to the indoor mall at the St Elli centre remains very strong.
“In addition, recent months have seen two new openings – the Yankee Candle Shop and the Sinclair Volkswagen dealership showroom.
“Of 24 units in the centre, five are not trading, but only one is actually available to let.
“And only today I have fielded expressions of interest from other businesses looking to move into the St Elli centre.
“Yes, the retail world is going through a period of change, but with the correct degree of innovation and enthusiasm, we are confident the St Elli shopping centre will continue to attract large numbers of shoppers.
“Interestingly, in the last few weeks, Saul Cass the jewellers (who have traded in Llanelli since 1921) renewed their lease at the St Elli Centre in a move they said was a vote of confidence in shopping in the town.”
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