IT is shaping up to be one of the best years for Golden Square Shopping Centre in Warrington.

Recession-busting sales figures, a successful re-brand and four major industry awards are among the highlights of the first six months of 2013.

“We’ve had a great start to the year,” says general manager Ian Cox. “Despite the economic climate we’re continuing to see successful footfall and sales figures, and we’re attracting national recognition for attracting new shoppers and retailers to the town.”

Ian continued: “We have many more developments in the pipeline including the arrival of Primark later this year which is great news for Warrington.

“This summer also saw the centre hosting Warrington Music Festival’s headline act, Happy Mondays, in the Old Market Place.”

The Golden Square team now communicates directly with more than 35,000 shoppers each week, thanks to the roll-out of a successful social media strategy which resulted in the centre being awarded the national Best Use of Digital Marketing at this year’s prestigious BCSC Purple Apple Awards.

Marketing manager, Anna Batt, said: “We’ve embraced digital media and the opportunities it creates for our business. It’s all part of understanding what our visitors want and making sure we deliver it.”

Anna added: “We’re looking forward to building on the team’s achievements throughout the rest of the year with a key focus on improving customer service as well as driving forward a facility that is commercially successful, environmentally sustainable and an asset to the community and our stakeholders in and around Warrington.”