FEWER people are shopping in Swindon town centre than last Christmas but more are heading to the Designer Outlet, say retailers.

Shopper numbers are down 10 per cent in Brunel Centre shops compared to this time last year, but spending is up by four per cent.

Centre manager Tony Wilkes said: “Footfall is well down but the performance of the Brunel Centre is up.

“People are spending more. They are on a tighter budget but they know what they want.”

Although the number of shoppers hitting the Brunel is down on last year it is higher than in the summer – in August the number of visitors was down 18 per cent on the previous year.

Mr Wilkes said the centre’s policy of putting on attractions for shoppers and Swindon Council’s policy of charging £2 for four-hour parking in town centre car parks has helped.

He said: “The new car parking initiative has massively helped.

“People can come into Swindon and park for better value so they have more money in their pocket.

“More interactive promotions are also increasing the amount of time spent in the centre.”

Swindon Designer Outlet, in Kemble Drive, saw two per cent more shoppers last week compared to the same week last year.

Designer Outlet manager Tina Cumpstey said: “The economic climate has encouraged people to make their money go a lot further.

“And they know that is going to be easier at a designer outlet, where everything is permanently discounted.

“Our pre-Christmas trading is up on last year and we’re expecting a further boost by the launch of our Christmas sale this week, which gives our shoppers discounts of up to 75 per cent off high street prices on a selection of top brands.”

Phil Young, Swindon Council’s cabinet member for culture, regeneration and economic development, said: “We are delighted the retailers are holding out through what we knew was going to be a difficult trade period.”