A shopping centre that attracts six million people every year is celebrating a double success.
Two new businesses have just opened their doors in quick succession at the busy Stretford Mall, in Chester Road, Stretford.
They are both bucking the current economic climate and expanding their businesses after building up successful stores elsewhere.
For the owners of AAA Mobiles and Snugworld, the Stretford Mall was the ideal new location because of its large footfall and appeal to a wide range of shoppers of all ages.
Joint owner of Snugworld and young entrepreneur, Tanzeel Aslam, said despite only being open for just over a fortnight, all the initial signs were positive and he was pleased with sales.
Mr Aslam, 23, who owns Snugworld with his cousin, Zulffiqar Khan, said: “Yes it has only been a short time but initial signs are good because there is a lot of footflow at the mall. It is a popular place for people to shop, and I really do feel this has been a good move for us.”
His company designs, manufactures and sells a wide range of divan beds and mattresses.
With the factory based in Stockport and six showrooms across the North West, the business is very much a family run, local enterprise which is going from strength to strength.
Mr Aslam from Stockport said: “I suppose the secret of our success is that we have an advantage because we manufacture as well as sell our product and we can offer the same quality as some of the leading, larger companies but at a fraction of the cost.
“While other companies are reining things in, we are actually expanding and still on the lookout for more showrooms. The Stretford Mall was an obvious choice for us and a great opportunity because it is a busy place and it is a shopping destination for people from all over the area which means we are able to showcase to a wide range of people.”
Naureen Kasim, 32, runs AAA mobiles with her husband Ijaz Ahmed. The couple buy and sell new and secondhand laptop computers and mobile phones and also own a clothing shop in Oldham which specialises in ladies and men’s night and underwear.
The mother-of-four from Rochdale said she had found customers waiting for her shop to open in the mornings which was a very good sign for future business.
She said: “I always had a good feeling about this place when I came to visit with the thought of opening a business here. I walked around and thought we could do something here and I really did feel that from my heart.
“I really like the mall and the added bonus is the level of security it has which is great for a shop like ours.”
Mike Russell, Stretford Mall Shopping Centre Operations Manager, said: “We’re delighted Stretford Mall continues to attract businesses which are flourishing and expanding which I believe is a good indication of the type of venue we are able to provide here.
“Snugworld and AAA Mobiles are valued additions because they provide two more very good reasons to come and shop at the Stretford Mall and I wish them every success with their new ventures.”
- To find out more about the Stretford Mall, go to www.stretfordmall.co.uk