SHOPPERS flocked to the official opening of Altrincham's newest retail space - No. 16 The Downs.

It comprises a floor dedicated to vintage and crafts above the Altrincham branch of Trader's Outlet.

Close to a thousand shoppers piled through the doors to check out the town’s latest new independent businesses on September 8. Shoppers came into Altrincham from Urmston, Cheadle, Wilmslow and Gatley for the launch.

Stretford resident Debbi Powell was delighted by the store. she said: ‘It’s wonderful to see the outlet opening, it's something Trafford has needed for quite some time.

"All the outlets were so very tempting it was hard to restrain myself from buying everything - especially from the vintage section."

Owner Mathew Wray said: ‘I’m delighted, but not surprised, by the response. Research shows people are looking for something a bit different than your usual high street shops and No. 16 The Downs provides that."

Deborah Steggel and Rosemarie Teece, co-owners of Paraphernalia in No. 16, said: ‘We were very encouraged by the number of visitors on Saturday and by the complimentary comments. There was a fantastic buzz to the day and we’re very excited to be part of this new venture that’s showing every sign of being a huge success and helping to inject a much needed retail boost to Altrincham."

Donna Dobbs, owner of No. 16’s Paint A Pot and Decopatch, was equally delighted: "I was really impressed how the day went for me. The kids loved it – as did their parents – and I had lots of positive feedback with promises of repeat custom."

The new floor of vintage and craft concessions - many of whom also have stalls at the town’s monthly Vintage & Craft Market - is very hands-on with many of the traders and artists running their concessions, and the regular craft workshops that will be on offer, themselves.

No.16 The Downs is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. www.no16vintage.com.