WITNEY’S newest shopping centre has recorded huge sales in its first fortnight of trading.

Since Marriotts Walk opened 13 days ago, business has been booming with Marks & Spencer enjoying three times its expected sales.

There are no official figures for footfall in the £50m development, but shopping centre manager Lynne Shawyer said several stores reported buoyant sales on the opening day and first weekend.

“For example, on the first day M&S reached its target by 2pm and by the end of the day it had tripled,” she said.

“Cineworld has been very busy – the most popular film was UP 3D which sold out six times in the first three days.”

Thousands more people are expected to flock to Marks & Spencer tomorrow when it holds a penny bazaar to celebrate 125 years.

Debenhams’ store manager Sandra Coulthard also reported good sales. She said: “It’s safe to say we have exceeded our targets.”

Alex Blakelock, spokes-man for developers Simons Group, said: “We’re delighted that people are enjoying the centre and making the most of the new shops.”

Cargo will temporarily reopen today in the old New Look shop, in Market Square.

The furniture and homewares retailer opens again in a larger store in the Woolgate Centre next year.

Last month it was announced that Next would occupy the majority of the Woolgate extension, due to be completed next autumn.

West Oxfordshire district councillor Warwick Robinson said the Woolgate Centre had seen a 15 per cent increase in the number of shoppers since Marriotts opened in Welch Way.

He said: “Certainly the town looks busier than it has looked for a long time.”

witney@oxfordmail.co.uk