Investment continues in face of recession fears

10:11am Wednesday 3rd October 2001

Major retailers have continued to invest huge sums in their Croydon stores despite fears of predicted recession and a downturn in consumer confidence.

Marks and Spencers has just announced that its Croydon store is to undergo a £2million refurbishment, while Boots has completed a £2m renovation in the Whitgift Centre.

Anne-Marie Wheeler, Boots store manager said: “Our year to date performance has been above target both in the Croydon store and across the UK and our confidence for the future is very high.”

“There was an immediate impact (following the terrorist attacks) but trade is back to normal and we are very busy this week.

“We'll see what happens with the worldwide effects of the crisis but we are looking forward to trading at Christmas as normal.”

The M&S store will be revamped; from improved lighting, new walkways, refurbished fitting rooms and new display fixtures through to new signage.

The look and feel of the store will be totally refreshed creating a brighter and more modern environment in which to browse Marks & Spencer's latest ranges.

“Croydon's customers deserve the best on the high street, so we are delighted that the store here will be among the first to benefit from this new wave of investment,” says Mark O'Connor, Marks & Spencer Regional Manager.

“Staff at the store are very excited by today's new look, and I'm sure customers will be delighted by it too.”

He concluded, “We are all committed to providing the service and products that they value so highly.”

As part of the transformation, Croydon will be home to The Classic Collection' a range of smart and elegant clothing, which uses quality fabrics at value for money prices, aimed at the traditional classic customer.

In addition to this, the store is eagerly anticipating the new and exciting per una collection, designed by George Davies, which will be a major feature in the store.

Croydon is also dramatically re-modernising its Caf Revive coffee shop, which provides customers with a selection of coffee beans from around the world and other tasty refreshments.

As well as this, the store will be unveiling a striking new range of skiwear, catering for all the family, offering customers a chance to find the perfect outfit for a break away on the slopes.

* Croydon Marketing & Development Limited

Suite 8 Metropolitan House, 38/40 High Street, Croydon CR0 1YB Tel: +44 (0)20 8686 2233 Fax: +44 ( 0)20 8686 3300

website: www.investincroydon.com

* Croydon's regular shopping population is estimated at 320,750 people which is 23 per cent of the total catchment.

Croydon Marketing & Development has published 100 Facts on Croydon. Each week in Talk of the Town' the Guardian will bring you a topical taster.

joshea@london.newsquest.co.uk