FIVE NEW SHOPS AT YATE SHOPPING CENTRE

As works get under way to build four new large retail units in East Walk, five retailers have signed leases to take retail units in the centre's walkways and more could be on the way in the near future.

Two ladies fashion outlets – Roman located in East Walk and Red 60 in West Walk – are already trading and with Christmas around the corner, three new shops focus on the festivities and gift markets: What Party is opening in West Walk; Calendar Club in East Walk Walk; and Gift Box in West Walk.

Andrew Lowrey, Yate Shopping Centre Manager, said: "It is good to see new retailers coming to the Centre especially after such a trying year for the retail industry. It demonstrates that Yate is still an attractive draw to many independent retailers and high street names. We hope to announce a further two new tenants in the very near future and our letting agents are working hard to attract retailers for the remaining vacant units.

"It is important that we have as many shops occupied and a wide variety on offer to attract the shoppers as we head towards Christmas. With Steps and many other family attractions, our Christmas launch on Thursday, 15th November will be a major draw and a fantastic opportunity for traders to lay out their stalls for the build-up to what is traditionally the busiest time of the year.

"The works for the new M&S Simply Food, Sports Direct and Costa Coffee are now well underway but will not be a major disturbance to shoppers in the lead-up to Christmas. Yate Shopping Centre offer 4 hours free parking and with the centre becoming busier we hope that shoppers will use the overflow car park off Link Road and use public transport whenever possible. "