THE Lowry Outlet Mall in Salford today announced a new tenant as bosses toasted a seven per cent rise in footfall for the year to date and a five per cent increase in like-for-like sales across its stores.

Lingerie chain Camille has taken over a former Reiss menswear shop and has begun fitting out the premises.

Camille, which stocks brands such as Pretty Polly and Aristoc, will start trading early next month and will create eight jobs.

It takes the number of shops at the mall to 85, up from 82 this time last year.

Ten retailers have moved into the complex during 2009 while seven have left. Eleven shops remain empty. More than 540 people work at the mall.

Meanwhile, negotiations are continuing for a third Kurt Muller clothing store, and another new retailer is expected to sign up soon.

Footfall in 2008 reached four million but has increased by seven per cent so far during 2009, a faster pace of growth than the three per cent seen in the previous 12 months.

Sales have grown by seven per cent overall, compared with one per cent in 2008.

Mall boss Robert Hallworth said menswear outlets, including Flannels, Petroleum, Austin Reed and Suits You, have enjoyed a 17 per cent increase in revenues, with house and home, including crockery, tableware, bedding, soft furnishings and DIY tools, up 12 per cent.

“We had a very strong first six months for sales, followed by a flatter September and October but this month's performance has seen a big improvement,” he said.

“This time last year, as the recession deepened, we wondered what would happen during 2009 but we have benefited as consumers have sought to make their money go further.

“The recession also appears to have increased demand for suits and ties, perhaps as people have smartened up or have been going for interviews.”