A SHOPPING centre has reported a rise in sales from fashion retailers at the centre, despite a nationwide slump in retail spending.

The Bridges, in Sunderland, which is owned by Land Securities, said more than 90 per cent of fashion retailers have reported sales figures up by a third on last year.

Bosses at The Bridges said the improved figures were helped by a 12 per cent growth in visitors.

Manager Phil Steele said: "Despite the unseasonably wet summer and reports of poor sales nationally, particularly in the fashion industry, the pattern of trade in The Bridges is overwhelmingly positive.

"More than six million shoppers visited in the three summer months and there was a five per cent increase in car park use."

The figures, from a survey carried out by Land Securities, also showed a growth in sports goods, music and food sales.

Mr Steele said: "The unseasonable weather does not appear to have had any detrimental impact on customer numbers and, if anything, has made covered shopping centres a more attractive proposition as a day out."

Published: 09/11/2004