Bolton shopping centre welcomes flurry of new openings
Market Place in Bolton has welcomed the opening of five new stores within the last six months, totalling over 33,000 sq ft of space.
Leading the new arrivals is Primark, which relocated from its existing store at Crompton Place Shopping Centre to a 26,300 sq ft unit within the former Debenhams store.
The new store – which forms part of Primark’s £100m investment into its UK store estate – features a modern layout with self-checkout facilities and LED lighting.
Another addition to Market Place is Muffin Break, which opened earlier this month. The Australian bakery chain invested over £300,000 into its 1,285 sq ft café, its 69th outlet in the UK. Located near the Primark store, Muffin Break’s menu includes the likes of coffee and baked goods.
Also joining the Bolton scheme is Deichmann, which opened its 5,300 sq ft store in the summer following a £550,000 investment. Located on Market Place’s lower level, the footwear retailer’s store features brands such as Adidas, Nike, and Skechers.
Meanwhile, books and hobbies retailer The Works has also relocated from Crompton Place to Market Place. Taking a 2,195 sq ft store at the entrance of the scheme, the move allows the brand to offer an expanded range of products and improved facilities including parking.
Finally, Card Factory joined the scheme in September, offering a range of greetings cards, gifts, toys, wrapping paper, and party essentials.
These five openings were also complemented the addition of two new independent stores, Dr & Herbs and Belles of Bolton, in November.
This enhanced line-up has seen an increase in visitor numbers at Market Place, with footfall figures up by 4.6% in the year-to-date.
Nicola Shawcroft, general manager at Market Place, said “We are absolutely thrilled with the incredible momentum Market Place has experienced this year. The addition of these fantastic new stores, coupled with the creation of over 200 jobs, reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting the Bolton community and delivering a vibrant, unparalleled shopping experience. Market Place is not just a retail destination; it’s a place where people come together to shop, dine, and enjoy themselves. With more exciting developments on the horizon, we’re proud to play a pivotal role in Bolton’s regeneration and look forward to an even brighter future.”