Shoppers may be taking a hit in the pocket as the economic gloom deepens, but bargain hunters are still out in force at Bluewater.

According to the Experian 2008 Retail Ranking the retail complex is one of the top 10 shopping locations in the UK - for the tenth year in a row.

The ranking, which takes into account factors such as the size of the centre, performance figures and the number of major and independent retailers, ranks Bluewater ninth, making it the only non-city centre location in the top ten.

It also makes it the number one out-of-town location in the UK.

The retail outlet is also in another top 10 - a list of the most expensive retail rentals. Colliers Autumn Retail Market Overview puts Bluewater’s average zone A rent at £415 per square foot, which places it alongside Bond Street, Regent Street and Sloane Street.

According to Bluewater, its footfall is up seven per cent on this time last year and nine per cent on this time last month.

Andrew Parkinson, Bluewater’s general manager, said: “The ranking reflects our continuing success in attracting new brands and highlights the relevance of providing a more rounded guest experience.”