Chester's retail market sees signs of an upturn.

Byline: TONY McDONOUGH

A CHESTER property agent claims the city centre retail lettings market is bucking the national trend.

Daniel Wild, of Wild Commercial Property, says that, since the beginning of August, 14 retailers have either opened or fitted out new outlets in the area.

These include Pandora, Hotel Chocolat, Wombat, Bodycare, Yankee Republic (Northgate Street), Holland and Barratt's second shop, (Foregate Street), The Works (Frodsham Street), Cesca (Eastgate Street), Beau Perry, Edwardo Pelle, Urchin Clothing, Cachet Lingerie (Bridge Street) and Fenn Wright Manson (Watergate Street).

Mr Wild says this shows the "extraordinary resilience" of Chester's retail core.

He added: "Primark is also due to open in the former Woolworths, early in the New Year. While this in no way suggests the recession is over, it is excellent that Chester is bucking the trend and can continue to attract quality retailers in difficult times."

Wild has helped persuade three of these high-quality retailers to open shops in Chester city centre.

They are Pandora Jewellers, Hotel Chocolat and Wombat clothing, who are all opening their first shops in Chester on Northgate Street during this month.

Pandora opened its doors at 30 Northgate Street on November 4. The shop is adjacent to Molton Brown and opposite Zara.

Hotel Chocolat and Wombat are currently fitting out their shops, and both have said they will be open in time for Christmas trade.

Wombat is to open in the former Karen Millen, on Northgate Street, by the end of November. Wombat has also just opened in Bristol.

Mr Wild added: "They (Wombat) are looking to open more shops across the country in 2010."

CAPTION(S):

Chester city centre, where more retailers are moving in