Touchwood Shopping Centre is celebrating a six per cent boost in sales for the second quarter, writes John Marsden.

The Solihull site - which is coming up to marking its fifth anniversary in September - said the performance came in the face of a generally tougher market.

Womenswear and health and beauty sectors were performing particularly well.

A spokesman said the latest figures highlighted continuing growth throughout the year.

The second quarter increase followed a 2.5 per cent rise in the first quarter, which in turn built on an overall growth in like-for-like sales of four per cent in 2005.

The centre does not make exact sales figures public, however, it said it had achieved consistent growth in footfall since opening in 2001, and now attracts more than 17 million visitors a year.

General manager Andrew Parkinson said: "Despite it being a generally tougher market, the centre continues to trade exceptionally well.

"Those retailers who have got it right are trading better than they ever have and this is reflected in Touchwood's figures.

"Sectors which are performing particularly well include womenswear and health and beauty."

Recent lettings to clothing retailers Hobbs, River Island and Wagamama noodle bar demonstrated the centre maintained an active asset management programme.

It also continued to receive interest from a range of UK and international retailers.

Mr Parkinson said: "Our success is reflected in our vacancy rate, which at two per cent is far below the national average."

The average figure in the UK generally stands at around four per cent, the company said.

Touchwood operates on 650,000 sq ft site, operates a corporate social responsibility strategy which is aimed at ensuring that it complements Solihull in general.

The aim is to work in partnership with different groups, communities and those with specific interests.

Links with the business community focus on Solihull becoming one of England's leading towns.

Mr Parkinson has previously explained that while other shopping centres may have informal CSR strategies in place, he believes Touchwood's approach helps give the whole community a clearer picture of the company's vision.

ChildSafe Zones provide carers with immediate access to the Control Room if youngsters go missing.