Black Friday turned the tills red hot at centre:mk in Milton Keynes

Reporting the strongest year to date footfall figures, centre:mk’s total footfall was up 14% on the previous week. This included Saturday and Sunday experiencing a combined uplift of 10% across the weekend.

Referred to as ‘Black Five Day’ by a number of retailers, many began offering discounts earlier in the week. Just fewer than 250,000 shoppers visited centre:mk to grab a bargain during Black Friday weekend. These results considerably outperform results reported for shopping centres and out of town shopping destinations across the country.

Electricals, toys and accessories, beauty and food and drink saw the biggest increase in sales.

“Our extended opening hours and promotions from leading brands across the centre saw our customers take full advantage of Black Friday Weekend, resulting in it being the biggest trading week, since Christmas week last year,” said Kevin Duffy, centre director at centre:mk

In addition, centre:mk saw 5,000 shoppers visit the newly launched Santa’s Grotto. The almost 20,000 sq ft, 25 minute fully interactive grotto experience features a double height carousel, traditional nativity scene and speciality craft cabins.