The centre opened its doors twelve months ago as part of the St David’s development and will mark the first year of being in Cardiff today (September 24).
The shop is the biggest department store in Wales and the largest John Lewis store outside of London.
In the last twelve months John Lewis has been recognised as providing a significant contribution to the capital’s economy as well as adding to the regeneration of Cardiff city centre.
The city has seen an increase in first time visitors during the last year, with many people who have not visited Cardiff in a number of years also returning to enjoy the many attractions in the Welsh Capital.
The surrounding Hayes area has been rejuvenated and has become a hub of activity for shoppers and visitors as the project has increased the flow of tourism to the capital as well as attracting a host of new brands and retailers to the city for the first time.
In the first twelve months it has been estimated that some 27m shoppers have passed through the new complex, attracting more than £250m of new annual spending to Cardiff’s city centre.
Independent and high street retailers together with extended shopping hours and new park and ride facilities have all contributed to help make Cardiff a special retail destination.
The enjoyable experience on offer for those visiting has placed the city firmly on the map as one of the major retail players in the UK.
Last year Cardiff was elevated up five places to the sixth best shopping destination in the Experian UK retail rankings.
In June this year St David’s also received global recognition after winning The International Shopping Centre of the Year Award after beating off global competition. It was initially shortlisted against Portugal’s Dolce Vita Tejo and Singapore’s Ion Orchard before being named the winner.
The Global Retail Leisure International (RLI) Awards celebrate the success of retailers and leisure operators across the world and showcases the most innovative and imaginative schemes.
Cardiff Council Leader Cllr Rodney Berman said: “The first year anniversary of the opening of John Lewis not only marks the success of the retailer but also celebrates the tremendous benefits it has given the city’s economy. The city centre shopping area has undergone a fantastic revival and is attracting more and more visitors to the capital making it a key tourism destination.”
It is predicted that St David’s is to continue as one of the UK’s busiest shopping centre developments which will establish the future of Cardiff as a top European retail destination.
