The Chinese Are MCR’s Biggest Overseas Spenders

MANCHESTER is the shopping capital of the north.

With approximately 1.1 million international visitors a year visiting the city, hundreds of thousands stream through the Arndale, Market Street, the Trafford Centre, Northern Quarter, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, Deansgate, St Ann's Square, King Street and Spinningfields for a spot of retail therapy.

"In addition to offering key brands such as Coach, Givenchy, Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Proenza, Manchester also boasts the only Chanel and Tiffany boutiques outside of London."

Latest figures from the Heart of Manchester Business Improvement District (BID) indicate Chinese shoppers now account for 50 percent of tax free retail spend in Manchester, spending more than any other nationality, with an average transaction spend of £677.

Shoppers from Kuwait, Thailand and Malaysia also ranked highly on the list.

Figures from BID alongside tax-free shopping company Global Blue, determined that half of tax-free sales at Selfridges in Exchange Square are made by Chinese customers.

The statistics also indicated that women's accessories are the most popular items, with international shoppers favouring brands such as Givenchy, Kenzo and Balenciaga amongst others.

The Arndale is one of the main shopping destinations in the city

"International shoppers offer a big opportunity for our retailers and outside of London’s Luxury Quarter, Manchester city centre is home to more luxury brands than anywhere else in the UK," said Jane Sharrocks, Heart of Manchester BID Chair and General Manager of Selfridges Exchange Square. "In addition to offering key brands such as Coach, Givenchy, Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Proenza, Manchester also boasts the only Chanel and Tiffany boutiques outside of London."

Manchester's King Street

With the announcement of more flight routes from Manchester Airport (including direct flights to Hong Kong), more shoppers are expected.

Gordon Clark, UK Country Manager at tax-free shopping company Global Blue said: "With a leading international airport and home to key cultural attractions, Manchester is one of the top destinations for international visitors coming to the UK, creating a huge opportunity for retailers.

"China is the top spending international global shopper in the region, representing 50 percent of the total tax free spend, growing at 29 percent in 2013 and their taste for designer brands and 'Made in Britain' items leads them to spend on average £677 per transaction."

To boost international visitor spend, Marketing Manchester have compiled a guide for tax-free shopping. The guide is a comprehensive list of all tax-free retailers in the city centre, as well as highlighting the very best Manchester has to offer.

Guide available here.

St Ann's Square