SUFFOLK'S newest multi-million pound shopping development has smashed trading targets in the first week of opening.

Dave Gooderham

SUFFOLK'S newest multi-million pound shopping development has smashed trading targets in the first week of opening.

Centre bosses at the Arc in Bury St Edmunds have described opening week sales figures as “remarkable” in the current economic climate and praised the reaction of shoppers and traders alike.

The Arc opened last Thursday to great fanfare with thousands flocking to the historic town's latest shopping attraction during the opening weekend.

And figures have showed that the initial optimism and enthusiasm has continued through the week with flagship store Debenhams reporting a 55% increase on predicted targets.

Paul Haynes, centre manager of Arc, said: “It has been a truly brilliant week. The feedback from both retailers and shoppers has been incredibly positive with many of the stores smashing their targets and in some cases taking twice what was forecast for the opening days.

“Figures like these are quite remarkable given the current market conditions and show that Arc and its stores are being very well received in Bury St Edmunds.

“Arc has received tens of thousands of shoppers each day and many of our customers have been very complimentary, commenting that the quality and finish of the centre surpassed their expectations.”