Highcross Leicester is bucking the national trend by delivering 2% sales growth on the same period last year.

Jo Tallack, general manager for the centre, commented: "There has been mixed economic indicators leading up to this Christmas so we were expecting similar levels of performance to last year, however to see a rise in sales is really encouraging."

The centre has been boosted by good trading figures from its anchor store John Lewis, which yesterday reported year-on-year growth of 9.6% on the same week last year. John Lewis reported strong sales in fashion and home wear however other categories across the centre are also performing strongly.

Ms Tallack commented: "Our jewellery stores are doing well with high value items such as watches and bespoke jewellery boosting figures. Our footwear offer is also trading strongly as people prepare for the new season and the flurry of festive social occasions. Highcross also stocks ten of the top twelve toys for this Christmas and we are seeing our newly strengthened family stores performing well."

The Christmas trading period began early at Highcross with figures receiving a boost from October onwards. From last week, late night trading and various events have also added to the festive cheer at the centre, with restaurants and the cinema seeing an increase in trade.

Jo continued: "We have a Grotto for the children, a range of local Sing Christmas choirs and a host of events at Highcross so there is something for all the family this year."