Mander Centre Sees Rise in Footfall Despite Summer Sunshine

Strategic Insights -

Mander Centre in Wolverhampton witnessed a rise in footfall in June, with visitor numbers increasing by 2.08% compared to the same month last year. The centre's new attractions, including the Superbowl UK indoor bowling venture and Chopstix Chinese restaurant, contributed to the influx of visitors. A free giant Scalextric track and racing simulator also drew in crowds, especially during the half-term week. Mander Centre manager Richard Scharenguivel attributed the positive trend to the centre's new leisure destinations and dining options, including the opening of Chopstix, which saw over 200 people queue on its opening day.

Key Takeaways:

  • Visitor numbers at Mander Centre increased by 2.08% in June 2025 compared to June 2024.
  • The opening of Superbowl UK indoor bowling venture and Chopstix Chinese restaurant contributed to the rise in footfall.
  • A free giant Scalextric track and racing simulator hosted by ActionBlast events company was a draw during the half-term week, attracting youngsters and the young at heart.
  • Mander Centre manager Richard Scharenguivel credited the centre's new leisure destinations and dining options for the positive trend.
  • Chopstix saw over 200 people queue on its opening day, indicating strong interest in the new restaurant.
  • The Wulfrun Centre declined to comment on its footfall figures for June.
  • Visitor numbers were also up at The Ryemarket shopping centre in Stourbridge, with a 29% increase in June from the previous month of May and a 3.4% increase in June 2025 compared to June 2024.
  • New Square in West Bromwich welcomed 755,000 shoppers through the doors in June, although this figure was down 1.2% year on year.
  • According to the BRC-Sensormatic IQ Footfall Monitor, shopping centres across the UK saw footfall fall by 2.3% in June (year on year).
  • Retail sales rose across the country by 0.9% in June, driven by increased demand for non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.
  • Motor fuel sales leapt by the biggest amount for more than a year as people headed out to enjoy the weather.

Statistics:

  • Mander Centre saw a 2.08% increase in visitor numbers in June 2025 compared to June 2024.
  • Superbowl UK indoor bowling venture offered 10 lanes of indoor bowling, interactive darts, and an indoor playzone for children.
  • Over 200 people queued at Chopstix on its opening day.
  • Footfall at The Ryemarket shopping centre in Stourbridge increased by 29% in June from the previous month of May.
  • Visitor numbers at New Square in West Bromwich were down 1.2% year on year, with 755,000 shoppers visiting in June.
  • Shopping centres across the UK saw footfall fall by 2.3% in June (year on year), according to the BRC-Sensormatic IQ Footfall Monitor.
  • Retail sales rose by 0.9% in June, driven by increased demand for non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.
  • Motor fuel sales leapt by the biggest amount for more than a year in June.

Sources:

  • The Express & Star
  • Office for National Statistics (ONS)
  • BRC-Sensormatic IQ Footfall Monitor
  • Mander Centre
  • Wulfrun Centre
  • The Ryemarket shopping centre in Stourbridge
  • New Square in West Bromwich