The manager of Watford's landmark Harlequin centre says the number of shoppers went up after John Lewis closed.
Ranked the 12th most 'attractive' shopping centre nationwide, The Harlequin has seen a boost in footfall, its manager Simon Plumb told Watford MP Matt Turmaine.
The MP sat down over a cup of tea at the Jamaica Blue café with Mr Plumb on March 31 to hear more about where he and the town does its shopping.
Mr Plumb said that despite the closure of John Lewis in 2020, which occupied 240,000 square feet of the shopping centre, the number of visitors increased, with homeware chain Dunelm eventually taking over part of the vacant space.
The Harlequin Centre had more than 17.2 million visitors last year, with 90,000 visitors in one day in December.
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Trevor Wood Associates carried out the market research, assessing 500 shopping centres across the UK.
Mr Plumb, who has been in charge for four years and has nearly 25 years' retail experience, praised the centre’s family and leisure facilities, which cater to all age groups.
These include Rock Up and Flip Out for the younger market, and Cineworld and Puttshack for adults. A gym is also in the pipeline.
After being rebranded as the intu centre in 2013 and later Atria Watford in 2021, it reverted to its original name in July last year.
Mr Turmaine, a Watford resident and former Holywell councillor, expressed his affection for the Harlequin.
Built in the early 1990s when Labour was in control of Watford Council, it was rebranded as the intu centre in 2013 and Atria Watford in 2021. It reverted to its original name in July last year.
Mr Turmaine added: “The Harlequin is a shoppers’ paradise.
“Labour-run Watford Council back then was very visionary.
“It was something quite sensational when it opened in 1992 and over thirty years on, it has remained vibrant, modern, airy and a great place to shop.
“The centre complements and works in conjunction and tandem with our traditional high street.
“Compared to many other towns, we are extremely fortunate and there is a low vacancy rate.”
Mr Plumb also chairs Watford BID Ltd, which sees local businesses and organisations working together to tackle issues affecting their trading environment.
The organisation raises nearly £1 million a year to promote Watford town centre and Clarendon Road businesses, drive footfall, and showcase what is on offer.
Mr Turmaine said he was impressed by Mr Plumb’s detail and knowledge and accepted the offer of a behind-the-scenes tour later in the year.
He said: “Together with the traditional external High Street there is a plethora of choice in shopping and leisure activities. Ours is a vibrant town and on the up.”
The Harlequin Centre provides a variety of roles for around 100 employees, including security, management, marketing, and technical support, with thousands more employed in retail and leisure outlets.
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