Knutsford ranked one Britain's best performing shopping destinations

The town has been ranked as the nation's 30th best performing retail locations in a list compiled by retail property consultant Harper Dennis Hobbs (HDH).

The market town has climbed 74 places compared with last year's rankings as more people have been supporting shops closer to home during the pandemic.

Knutsford's historic buildings, unique location and selection of top quality independent businesses have contributed to its success.

Sandra Curties, Knutsford Town Council town centre and marketing officer, said: "It is fantastic news to hear that Knutsford has jumped 74 places and is now ranked 30th out of all English shopping destinations.

"This is a huge vote of confidence for not only our retailers and businesses but our town as a whole.

"Our community who have supported the town throughout the most difficult period in retail history and spent local and our wonderful shops who diversified their offer in order to survive.

"Whether it has been via click and collect, online, phone orders and deliveries all have been absolute stars.

"We are not out of the woods yet and there is still work to be done to ensure our recovery from this pandemic benefits all of our community. Well done Knutsford."

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Knutsford's unique character and independent shops have attracted a record number of shoppers

Knutsford's unique character and independent shops have attracted a record number of shoppers

Helen Dufton, who owns the town's oldest business Arthur Lee Interiors with sister Vicky Wragg, said: "Last year we celebrated 100 years of the store our great grandfather opened.

"We are a very busy shop with three floors and 18 showrooms. When we reopened after the last lockdown we had never been busier.

"We have put all our energy into this shop. We are an experience, a place for people to come and enjoy themselves.

"We have an ever changing stock of mirrors, pictures, furniture, lamps and gifts, where people can get thoroughly immersed.

"Knutsford is a lovely unique collection of individual shops like us. It has got a history and a story and has a lovely sense of community and spirit about it.

"Everyone who comes to Knutsford realises it is a little bit different."

Knutsford is ranked 30 in the best performing shopping destinations. This is the top 50 of 1,000 retail centres compiled by Harper Dennis Hobbs

Cllr Tony Dean said: "I do feel proud of the town.When I came to Knutsford 25 years ago what struck me was how attractive the town is. It hasn't massively since Victorian days. The town centre is rich with Italian and other styles of architecture.

"I think independent shops give a better service than big conglomerates and the town has so much green space on the edge of Tatton Park."

Dan Hildyard, head of UK retail at HDC, said: "More restricted consumer shopping habits have had an enormous impact on the relative success of high streets this year, with a shift to home working encouraging residents to reconnect with their local community."