Inverness shopping centre reports six per cent increased footfall over December

The Eastgate Shopping Centre has reported an increase in footfall over the festive period.

Footfall increased by six per cent in December, and was up four per cent during one of the traditionally busiest weeks of the year – the week before Christmas and before New Year.

Eastgate Shopping Centre manager Chris Kershaw said: "This was my first Christmas in the post and it's been been positive overall.

’There was a real buzz with the vendors we had in and outside the store with the balance we had in for Christmas.

"I think there is that element of people coming in to feel and see the products which is coming back as opposed to just buying online."

Mr Kershaw hopes to raise the experience within the shopping centre over the next 12 months, and make it more than just retail.

He added: "Our softplay did really well last year, which allowed people to have some downtime when shopping with their kids.

"We've also made Loch and Larder more established, and we have a charity called Rokzkool which will be teaching music skills from this month.

"We want to make it a full experience at the Eastgate Shopping Centre, and not just about the retail."

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.