More people visited Bluewater shopping centre last month (Jan) than the same time a year ago.

So-called footfall for January rose by two per cent, following a four per cent rise over the Christmas period. Some six million people visited the complex in November and December.

It was also a record year for total footfall, with Bluewater attracting 27.5 million visitors in 2008, a 5.5 per cent rise over 2007.

Bluewater's general manager Andrew Parkinson put the increase in visitor numbers down to its appeal as a "day-out" destination. "Now more than ever, consumers are looking for a greater return not only on how they spend their money, but their time," he said. "Our total offer creates a unique experience that we believe will maintain Bluewater’s appeal during what is undoubtedly going to be a challenging time for many households."

Bluewater celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and is planning a series of events. A number of new retail names are expected, the latest being Hollister, the US-owned Abercrombie & Fitch young fashion brand.

"It’s going to be an exciting year ahead," Mr Parkinson added.

Bluewater’s footfall figures were released as the British Retail Consortium revealed, perhaps surprisingly, that overall like-for-like spending in January was 1.1 per cent up on the same month a year ago, the best performance since May.

Food sales showed stronger growth. Non-food sales remained down on a year ago, though by less than in December. Sales were driven by widespread heavy discounting in clearance sales. Despite this clothing, footwear, homewares and health and beauty sales remained down on a year ago.

But the BRC said sales growth then weakened as clearances ended. Shoppers took advantage of good deals, but many purchases were replacements and essentials rather than discretionary extras.