Luton Arndale boss Brian McFarland has admitted retailers in the Luton shopping centre are having to work harder to attract sales, due to the rising cost of living.
The mall's general manager also blamed the economic downturn for retailers reluctance to invest in new shop units.
Mr McFarland's comments follow an article in a national newspaper which said Luton shoppers are 'saving their cash to cope with the rising price of everyday commodities'.
He said: 'There is no doubt that fuel and food prices have increased dramatically but retailers are trying all the harder to attract sales.
"We have M&S making a substantial investment in Luton but I think the economic downturn is making most retailers more cautious with their investment in property and new shop units.'
The Arndale
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