Broad Street Mall boss Steve Fawke remains confident that Reading can weather the storm
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Mall boss remains optimistic amid the economic gloom
By Paul RobinsDecember 30, 2008
The boss of The Broad Street Mall is confident Reading’s retailers can “weather the economic storm”.
Steve Fawke, general manager of the town centre precinct, said the centre had more than 116,000 visitors from December 22, to Christmas Eve.
The footfall was up from more than 92,000 shoppers for the same period last year.
On Boxing Day alone more than 25,000 visitors flocked to the shops in the mall in contrast to 19,275 last year.
The Evening Post reported on its front page yesterday how post-Christmas bargain-hunters packed out town centre shops, cocking a snook at the credit crunch.
Broad Street Mall’s figures were only available after going to press yesterday.
An upbeat Mr Fawke said: “I believe that Reading will weather the storm regarding the current economic situation as the people of Reading are very loyal.
“With the Keep Trade Local campaign the Evening Post are championing, I feel we will emerge from it even stronger.
“It is a real shame that we have to lose the likes of Woolworths and Zavvi, and unfortunately I’m sure there might be a few more to come.
“So from a property owner’s perspective the near future will be challenging.”
He added: “The town centre has very few vacant shop units and I am sure that together we can attract new retailers to the town.
“We will keep the vibrant momentum going which will see retailers wanting to open stores in our great town.”
