Dransfield Properties, whose portfolio includes Stroud's Five Valleys Shopping Centre, is reporting upbeat indications from retail activity across the Christmas period.

Strong footfall throughout December led the company to declare a 4.5% boost to visitor numbers for 2023 when measured against the previous year – a figure that beat its two other shopping centres in Sheffield and Northumberland.

A spokesperson said: "Despite the closure of Wilko, the centre had a 1% increase in Christmas shoppers during the month of December, compared to December 2022.

They added: "The centre also has an exciting period ahead when it will announce the opening of three national retailers at the scheme, which is still undergoing an extensive £30m refurbishment."

James Shepherd, managing director, said: "It has been a tough 12 months for the retail industry, but we have worked hard at producing that point of difference with a busy line up of events and attractions, which has resulted in strong visitor numbers during this key time for retail.

"We have also welcomed a good number of new retailers during 2023 with more new openings to come in the first quarter of this year. Our centres remain 98% let – so despite a turbulent global economy, we enter the New Year in a strong position."

Underpinning the headline figures, Sandersons, a key partner to Dransfield and brand element at Stroud, has declared that December helped boost its national retail growth.

Sanderson Boutique Department Store, which arrived at the shopping complex in April 2021, said that national revenue tracked from £564k from 2016 to almost £7m in 2023. Activity from the latest November and December was intrinsic to this, said the independent store chain, with sales up 5% despite a challenging economic climate.

Mark Dransfield, as Sandersons Boutique co-founder, said: "We are really pleased with the Christmas sales and footfall figures across the group. Internet sales have grown significantly, with the bestselling products carrying discounts. Whilst footfall has maintained in our bricks and mortar stores, we have seen a slight reduction in spend.

"That said, we still find that some shoppers are buying big ticket items and there is an appetite for the luxury end of the market."

He added: "Whilst there has been a reported straight line decrease in retail spend since 2006, we have seen growth in our areas due to our store locations."

He attributed high occupation rates to being in strong market towns that are within 30 minutes' drive from major city centres. 

"We own the town centre car parks and can make them accessible and low priced which is an important factor for shoppers. Rather than relying on instore events alone, our stores benefit from being part of larger community events held by the centres, driving significant numbers in footfall."