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Bracknell reaps the rewards with local business success

21/10/04

Local retailers are experiencing the benefits of The Bracknell Regeneration Partnership’s (BRP’s) ongoing commitment to rejuvenate the Town Centre, reporting an increasing rise in sales figures and profitability as more and more shoppers are attracted to the area.

Research from the end of August indicates that the volume of cars parking in Charles Square is up by 14% from last year, whilst the more popular High Street Car Park has been subject to a 24% rise. This has, in turn, had a positive impact upon local trade as the quality and diversity in the Town Centre appeals to Bracknell residents as well as to consumers from further afield. In addition, a recent report from the property advisors Rogers Chapman has identified a substantial demand for new lettings throughout the entire Thames Valley Region, citing Bracknell in particular as having the potential to register highly in terms of this activity. Bracknell lettings figures from the last twelve months clearly support this claim, as twenty-two new units have been leased in the Town Centre during the past year alone, many to quality brand-name stores such as Gamestation and Marks and Spencer.

Marks and Spencer, in Princess Square, are in particularly high spirits as they prepare to celebrate their first birthday on Saturday 27 November. After an excellent summer’s trading the store is experiencing a further boost in sales during the busy run-up to Christmas, making their first anniversary a date to remember. In order to celebrate the occasion, they will be creating an in-store party atmosphere with food and champagne tasting, decorations and on-the-spot prizes of chocolates and flowers being awarded to a few lucky customers. The recent appointment of Store Manager Nicola O’Neill has clearly had a positive impact, as the business has gone from strength to strength. On her new role, Nicola commented:

“Since moving here from a smaller store 10 weeks ago, I’ve really been enjoying the different challenges that have presented themselves. The fact that consumer traffic in the Town Centre has been increasing means that Bracknell is a brilliant location for a new store, representing a great opportunity for me to become more involved in business development and new initiatives.”

Meanwhile Millets, located on The Broadway, has responded to the increase in trade with the introduction of a new ski-wear range. With a reputation built on diversity and excellent customer service, the store has found that their business has been expanding rapidly. Millets Assistant Manager Josh Rawe said:

“With issues such as the importance of health and exercise impacting upon the national consciousness, Millets has been eager to respond to the increasing demand for quality goods and equipment. Certainly here in Bracknell business has been excellent, and so we are working hard to ensure that satisfied customers continue to return.”

On the High Street, Bentalls can testify to a comparable story of success. Now open on Sundays between 11-5pm, the implementation of the new trading hours in line with Princess Square has allowed the store to take advantage of the rise in passing trade, thereby heralding a new stage of economic development.

Bracknell also plays host to a number of smaller independent stores, underlining the fact that the Town Centre is an ideal location for start-up businesses to develop in tandem with the success enjoyed by more established names.

Toy Planet on Charles Square is one such store, welcoming an ever-greater number of customers through its door in the hectic approach to Christmas. The recent introduction of the new Sylvanian Families range has proved to be an instant hit, with Toy Planet generating further interest through their in-store, Sylvanian themed colouring and ‘find-the-hidden-objects’ competition. Kids have until 30 October to enter their completed forms. In addition to this, Toy Planet hosts a monthly Yu Gi Uh! card tournament, based on the cartoon of the same name. Regularly attracting 70-80 contestants, the next event will be held at the British Legion on November 13 and promises to be a jam-packed occasion. Store owner and manager Steve Murphy said:

“Since opening a year ago, it has been a massive encouragement to learn from our customers that they are choosing to shop in Bracknell over neighbouring towns. The steady growth in trade allows us to cater more effectively for our customers needs, continuing to develop the promotional initiatives that differentiate us from our brand-name rivals.”

Similarly Ken Jones, Director of Howards Blinds, has noticed that trade is picking up. Since relocating to Town Square nearly four years ago the business has been doing increasingly well, maintaining its reputation as a well-known and much-frequented addition to the Town Centre. The same is also true of Party Capers, whose recent success has enabled it to double its floor space in Princess Square. Offering a personal service that caters for weddings, funerals and corporate events, Party Capers generates an immense quantity of repeat business and, in financial terms, benefits from the lack of corporate overheads that affect larger stores.

Helen Barnett from the Bracknell Regeneration Partnership (BRP) said:

“At BRP it’s always encouraging for us to learn about local business success, especially in view of our ongoing drive towards regeneration. As the Town Centre continues to develop and improve in line with BRP’s proposals, we look forward to hearing more about the positive benefits this will have for Bracknell retailers.”