“Did people stop reading hte article half way through...... phase 2 and phase 3 will fill the remaining units as well as those who, like Nike, stagger their opening. And Shaun.... people who buy presents, preparing for the summer... going on holiday in winter where, like in Australia, it may be a tad bit sunny... oh and those people who just like to buy sunglasses..... you may find taht those are the people who would buy sunglasses all year round.”

“I've been in the retail industry for over 30 years, and currently run a network of shopping centres across the UK and Ireland.

In 2004, I took on a centre just like Gloucester's and it failed miserably, it closed 2 and half years later, the money ploughed into it was one hell of a budget too!

Personally, I can see the centre closing down in the next 3-4years.... I've seen so many projects like this that have failed over the years.

I visited the centre with my family a few weeks ago, I don't think that there is much a mix of shops, We found that if we went more in the centre of the City, we found some of the same shops and brands and just as cheaper.

The Docks is looking much better since I last there in the 90's. Ashame to find that the Robert Opie Museum and the Merchants Quay Shopping Centre has gone. Looks alot tidier but more of a residential area? Am I right?

Kings Walk looking very nice too, I can remember when managing the place for a few months, it was really good fun, those horrid neon interior lights and silver boxes through the complex.

Remember, the town crier was there dressed as Humpty Dumpty :)

And no more Severn Sound either.... Gloucester has changed!

Well Done to Franco! Good Luck Mate!”

“It always dead on a weekday lunchtime practically around 15-20 shoppers... mostly students from the college, who themselves is that there isn't much too offer and is quite expensive.

I've got to laugh at some of the shops, for instance the Sunglasses shop....all year round....whose going to buy sun glasses in the Winter.....

The new Antiques Centre as well as... more modern stuff than antique in there....

Pasty Presto is quite nice although their 'Chocolate & Bananna Pasty' doesn't take my fancy!

It has got a nice floor though!

I still prefer going to Regent, Beechwood or The Brewery Centres in Cheltenham.”

“I was in Bicester outlet village midweek recently and it was deserted too. Yet at weelknds it's packed. I've been Swindon midweek too and same stopry there. This sort of centre will be a weekend destination, particularly for shoppers who don't live in Gloucester, or who live in Gloucester but don't work in town. I like the place and hope it flourishes, particularly when the economy picks up a bit .”

“Reading comments below, having worked in the retail sector, I believe the Quays will be fine, busy at weekends and as commented before, this is outlet center for which people travel at weekends to visit which is vastly reduced during the working week, it¿s actually the same situation experienced at similar centers, such as Swindon and Bicester. All retailers have this built into their business case/plan hence only rent paid as a percentage of profit taken. Admittedly, more designer brands are required here but can only see that being increased with no problem during this year.
As regards the empty units, it was always planned to be opened in phases, the Quays had a record open of any outlet center in the country for launch day .i.e. 38. Other retailers will come on board based on retail market picking up and they await establishment of the said center before committing, it¿s only been open less than 8 months! Plus I see the linkages route has now commenced through the docks up into Southgate St. To be completed by autumn this year, can only see this feeding both areas with increased visits.
Kaa, The Snake Pit and Gerald regarding diversty at the Quays ¿ Well, a planning application has gone into GCC for the complete upper deck to be utilized for the said things you mention such private functions, events, exhibitions, shows, art galleries, parties, conferences, motor shows, fashion shows, dinner events etc. etc. Anyone can check it out on the planning portal. Also, the Antiques Center due to its success in it¿s new location, is set to expand across the high orchard bridge above Gap and Caffe Nero!
Also, worth mentioning is there as a lot of renewed retailer interest in the some to be re-vamped Peel Center and Cineworld. One very well known and major retailer are looking to locate here and want a large amount of area to operate, currently not present in our county, can¿t reveal due to commercial reasons but it will be another reason to come Gloucester, thus even more people will make the most of there trip in relation to the Quays, Docks and remaining city center.
Before, anyone comments, I do not work for Quays, Peel etc. Just in the know, yes being positive but just stating facts. Gloucester Quays has a long term future for sure.
Ps. All the best to Franco Muccini, great job considering the retail climate.”

“I agree with Gerard - such a shame to see a clone of other shopping centres. Individual independents would be much more of a pull (to me anyway) but sadly they would never be able to afford the rent. As much as I loved the old antiques centre, the new one is just as good - would be good to see things other than shops - art galleries, etc if not already there. Haven't been for a while but can't remember seeing anything like that.”

“I knew there was something iffy about this place from the start!

Still, as long as I got my appearance fee. ;)

You've been Gok'd!”

“Gerard, don't talk rubbish.

Of course footfall ebbs and flows but anyone can see that a shopping centre on a Thursday lunchtime with more staff than paying customers does not fit any profitable econimic model!

As for diversification - diversification away from roughly five units all selling much the same style of clothing all in a row would be a start.
Or was it a case of leasing the units regardless? Surely not!”

“Footfall will naturally ebb and flow. I think the Quays has a long term future because it's such a spectacular location. However, there is clearly overcapacity and the management should think about diversifying away from the mainstream.”

“this is not real news, just garbage, there are real life and death issues out there. so why oh why dont they print them..as if any one is intrested in a top job in china ,, there are real problems this county must face ,,, so report on them for chirst sake”