A FLINTSHIRE retail venue saw a return to pre-pandemic visitor numbers in 2022.

Broughton Shopping Park had a successful 12 months, with trading actually higher than the pre-pandemic levels last seen in 2019.

The shopping and leisure destination has revealed footfall in 2022 was up 22% compared to the previous year.

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Retailers also enjoyed an increase in festive visitor numbers in December, with footfall up 20% in the week leading up to Christmas, compared with 2021.

Fashion, fragrance, and homeware all saw particularly strong sales as shoppers bought gifts for loved ones.

Restaurants and cafes at the site were also busy, as people enjoyed the return to a normal festive period following the pandemic.

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Alan Pruden-Barker, centre manager at Broughton, said: "Against a very challenging backdrop, we're really pleased with our last 12 months, and in particular our Christmas period, with sales and footfall up across the centre.

"We're home to a broad selection of retailers - both in terms of price point and the size of their business - and we know how important the last few months have been for all of them.

"We're looking forward to welcoming new and returning visitors in 2023 and we're excited to share updates on a number of new developments at the centre in the coming months, including investment in new LED lighting to improve energy efficiency and provide a brighter experience for visitors."