Screaming fans, thousands of cups of coffee and many more happy shoppers – it’s been a busy first fortnight for Gloucester Quays.

The designer outlet only opened its doors on May 21 and bosses say they have been overwhelmed with visitor numbers.

Despite issues in the first week with parking and traffic, customers are continuing to flock to the mall in St Ann Way.

Centre director Franco Muccini said it was putting the city on the map.

He said: "The first two weeks of trading have exceeded expectations, we have been delighted with the number of visitors and in particular the flow of people to and from other parts of the city as well as the Quays." Click here for more

Franco said Gloucester Quays was already creating a buzz with people travelling from outside the county to visit.

He said: "The official opening by Gok Wan attracted even bigger crowds than expected and together with the Tall Ships Festival the Gloucester Quays is already proving to have great appeal to visitors from outside the area as well as to locals."

His comments come as another big-name brand has set up shop in the main mall.

The Helly Hansen store opened last weekend and is already doing roaring trade.

A big name in sportswear, Helly Hansen is best known for its all-weather clothing, popular with snowboarders and extreme sports fans.

More brands are expected to open shops at Gloucester Quays in the coming weeks.

CK Jeans, a diffusion brand from the Calvin Klein label, and high street favourite Miss Sixty are among the names on units in the mall.

A further food outlet will also be on its way – the Cafe Nero is expected to open soon.

Source: www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk, Monday, June 08, 2009