The manager of Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness believes it has been an “exceptional year” with almost six million visitors walking through the doors.
Chris Kershaw said it has been a “real step forward” and is looking at what can be added in the new year.
The shopping centre will add Maeme’s Piri Piri Chicken and a new Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) business hub.
Chris also revealed Pandora will move to a larger Eastgate unit in the summer of 2025.
Despite challenges for several businesses inside the shopping centre, he said the addition of pop-up shops and stalls has added a “really buzzing” atmosphere.
‘Exceptional year’
Inflation and rising staffing costs means to have a good year it has to be exceptional — according to Chris.
He said: “It’s been a real step forward in comparison to the previous year and that was a strong 2023.
“We’ve seen another decent jump in footfall and in the main hall we now only have one vacancy.
“Changing the profile of Eastgate with a couple of pop-up units scattered around the centre has been huge.
“We’ve added a market vibe to the place and it is really buzzing at times.
“Eastgate has had a really good year. Compared to other shopping centre figures we are just short of 2% ahead of the rest of the UK in our category.
“It’s a really strong position to be in, but there are still plenty of challenges.”
Eastgate becoming ‘all-in-one’ hub in 2025
Chris said plans to become a one-stop shop have “really progressed” with additions including a soft play area, a dance studio and even an indoor beach during the summer.
He said: “People have come across the world to the likes of Rokzkool studio, people who might not usually visit the centre and are having a look around the shops.
“Maybe you drop your kids off at the studio and then have an hour to yourself in the Eastgate.
“Everything has added to the centre in different ways, bringing families in that may not have spent the time here before.
“Although I do feel we’ve really kicked on this year, I hope we can really keep that momentum and kick on again in 2025.”
What will new year bring for Eastgate Shopping Centre?
Chris hopes Maeme’s Piri Piri Chicken and the RBS business hub won’t be the only additions to Eastgate in 2025, with other discussions ongoing.
He said: “Superdrug, Bodyshop and others have had pretty eventful years with administration and new owners.
“Joules returning is a long time coming for us, we feel it never should have left to begin with.
“The Filling Station has had planning permission granted and I believe work will start on that at the beginning of next year.
“We are also in talks with someone about replacing the RBS unit in the old mall as they make their move.”
Chris is also keen to find a balance of national brands and local flavours and has highlighted why brands should consider opening an Eastgate branch.
He added: “Bringing in local businesses and local people, such as The Drawing Room and One of a Kind has been really successful.
“The centre is a massively vibrant place and we’re pushing six million visitors this year – similar to the Trinity Centre in Aberdeen.
“Considering the size of Inverness in comparison, it’s pretty good going.”
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