Popular: The Stamford Quarter is increasing its footfall (Photo credit: Stamford Quarter)
ALTRINCHAM’S Stamford Quarter celebrated a record year for the high street with new additions set to add to its retail mix in 2024.
Visitors to the area in 2023 rose by five per cent year on year as the quarter drew in shoppers with a host of new retailers opening their doors.
The year saw a strong mix of national brands and independent boutiques setting up shop.
They include Holland & Barrett, the UK’s leading health and wellness retailer, and Poundland, one of the country’s leading discount retailers.
Other new additions included Altrincham FC, which opened a popup store in December, Parasol, a lifestyle store selling accessories, clothing and gifts and Utility, home to a range of quirky gifting and design led products.
Adam Glover, Utility’s retail director, said: “We’ve been blown away by the reception, and the remarkable success of the store since opening in September.
“From opening week, which set Utility records, right through the festive period, performance has been incredible.
“As an independent business, we feel right at home in the Stamford Quarter and the Altrincham community, and we look forward to continued success in 2024.”
The openings will continue. Premium bowling destination, Lane 7 is set to open this year within the much-anticipated Foundation building, which will be home to market leading workspace, retail and leisure in the heart of the town.
Visitors to the area can already see its impressive HYVERT living wall, created in conjunction with Manchester University and local plant designers, I Want Plants.
It wraps around the building and includes 36,000 plants, all helping to boost Altrincham’s biodiversity, air quality and aesthetic.
There will also be a duo of new openings with Stamford Quarter bosses saying more details will be revealed in early 2024.
In addition to the new retailers, the quarter has confirmed it has renewed leases with Boots, Flannels, Next, Sostrene Grene and Nationwide, retaining these key brands into 2024 and beyond.
James Tootle, head of retail and leisure at Bruntwood, said: “2023 has been a fantastic year for the Stamford Quarter.
“We have continued to combine leading independent and national brands to give consumers a really unique offering which encourages people back to the high street.
“The growth in footfall outperforms the national trend and demonstrates just how appealing this mix is proving for the community.
“We are excited to continue the revitalisation of this part of Altrincham as we get set to launch our Foundation building in the spring.
“It will further enhance this part of the town centre with new hospitality and workspace bringing a whole new audience to the neighbourhood.”
He added: “We can’t wait to share the news of some more exciting arrivals.”
Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s executive member for economy and regeneration, said: “Altrincham offers excellent shopping and leisure facilities and it is fantastic news that visitor numbers to the area are growing.
“The Stamford Quarter is a real success story and we are proud to be working with our partners to make this happen.
“Well done to everyone involved in this project – here is to more success for our town centres in 2024.”
Work to improve the public realm of the area have also got underway. The aim is to improve accessibility, provide space for community activity and encourage visitors to spend time in a more welcoming environment.
Completion of the work is expected in July. All the businesses in the area will remain open throughout.