Shoppers have given Westwood Cross a major vote of confidence in the latest survey by Business Bluprints. The research, carried out this spring, reveals that 99 per cent of shoppers rate cleanliness at the retail centre as good or very good, 95 per cent feel that the centre is safe and secure and 94 per cent value the pleasant atmosphere.

But even more important for Westwood Cross shops is the finding that, in spite of worries about the economy and the credit crunch, shoppers are spending eight per cent more this year on non-food items than last spring.

While most people’s travel time to Westwood Cross is just 17 minutes there are also clear indications that the centre is attracting more shoppers from farther afield and in particular from Canterbury and Whitstable.

And with the choice of stores cited as the key attraction of Westwood Cross fewer of the centre’s shoppers are also visiting other shopping centres in Kent.

This spring just 16 per cent of Thanet shoppers at Westwood Cross said they also visited Bluewater while a similar survey in 2007 revealed that 61 per cent of people questioned also shopped at Bluewater.

“Confidence seems to be holding up in Thanet and we are delighted with these results,” said Westwood Cross marketing manager Tracie Stevens.

“Research is essential for helping us deliver what our visitors want in terms of stores and facilities.

“I do think people are being more cautious with their family budgets but they are making savings on travel and parking costs rather than cutting back on what they are buying.

“This means that Westwood Cross is making an increasing contribution to the Thanet economy with less people shopping outside the area and instead opting to spend their money closer to home.

“Since the survey was done last year we have opened new facilities at Westwood Cross and I am delighted that a growing number of people now see the centre as a good place to meet up with friends and family and enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal at one of our new restaurants.

The research was undertaken by Business Bluprints at Westwood Cross in May. Researchers talked to more than 350 shoppers.

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