Altrincham’s High Streets continue to demonstrate sustained growth with an exceptional year-on-year footfall increase.

Altrincham has continued to buck the national trend with a growth in year-on-year footfall for 2019 of +3.1%, against an average decline for other UK market towns of -3.8%.

The increase demonstrates continued growth in footfall which has now been sustained by the town throughout the last five years, with percentage increases each year, in what remains an ever changing and very challenging national trading environment.

Vacancy rates in the same 5-year period have fallen from 19.4% to 8.6%. The town has an increasing number of independent shops, restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as a thriving professional services sector which sit alongside the award-winning Altrincham Market and the Market House. The town benefits from great transport links to Manchester, the North West and beyond.

Despite UK high street footfall being in decline and the loss of some national high street brands, which Altrincham has felt the effect of, many of the town’s businesses have reported that 2019 delivered their best trading figures to date.

Martin Duff from Randalls Jewellers explained, “We have been located on Altrincham’s high street for 10 years and 2019 was our best trading year so far”.

Louise Duerr, from GIFT+HOME, said, “2019 has been our most successful year - 2018 was great, but I’m delighted that the last 12 months pipped it by 3%”.

Paul Dey, from King’s Court, shared, “King’s Court has for a long time played a key part in the town’s day and night time offer, and in 2019 the fantastic businesses there have gone from strength to strength, the Cheshire Tap particularly has had its busiest year so far”.

Elizabeth Faulkner, Altrincham BID, said: “Altrincham is incredibly fortunate to have some amazing business owners and their teams who are investing so much energy, time and their talent into the town, going above and beyond to deliver great customer service and unique experiences. Altrincham also has a community that understands the importance of supporting their high street, using local businesses where possible. They also give their time by getting involved with community projects and events.

“It continues to be a really difficult time for the high street, and we are very aware of the challenges being experienced by many.  With an incredible amount of passion and partnership working, Altrincham has managed to buck the trend by achieving positive footfall results”.

Diane Wehrle, Marketing and Insights Director for Springboard confirmed “Altrincham has been the top performing town in Springboard’s Market Town Index over the past five years. It is a great achievement”.