Eastgate Shopping Centre see footfall hit pre-Covid levels

The majority of shops reopened at the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Basildon on Monday following the relaxation of lockdown rules.

Non-essential retailers were given the green light to welcome customers back for the first time in more than three months.

Ian Clark, manager at the Eastgate, says both Primark and Debenhams have attracted large numbers of visitors since reopening.

Debenhams has only reopened for a closing down sale and will shut for good in a few weeks.

The large number of returning customers yesterday meant footfall was virtually the same as it was on the same day back in 2019.

Mr Clark added: “It has been great welcoming back more shoppers to all our shops and other outlets.

“Our hairdressers and health and beauty retailers are all very busy.

“Of the clothes shops, Primark has been particularly popular and the Debenhams closing down sale has been attracting lots of visitors.

“The queues to get in some retailers have been manageable and we are very pleased, but not surprised, to see all our visitors following Covid guidance and wearing face masks.

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“People appear very happy to be able to return to something approaching normality and it’s good to see that they are visiting across all our opening hours.”

Mr Clark says footfall has been largely similar again today, with shoppers keen to make the most of their newfound freedom.

He added: “We expect to continue to see a steady return rather than just a busy first day.

“I’d like to thank everyone who works at Eastgate and all our shoppers for enabling us to fully reopen in such a safe and supportive way.

“It really is pleasing to see everyone happy.”