New figures have revealed that London’s West End has continued to attract new brands with 65 new stores being opened since January 2017. The data from New West End Company, the Business Improvement District for the area, reveal that this was up from 52 openings for the whole of 2016.

Driven by international shoppers taking advantage of the weaker pound, New West End Company is predicting a successful end to the year for West End retailers. Till receipts are forecast to rise by 1.5% to £2.61 billion in the six-week Christmas period.

2018 will be a transformational year for the West End of London as the new £16 billion railway Crossrail will open two stations along its main shopping street Oxford Street. The 'Elizabeth Line' is expected to bring an extra 60 million additional visitors and increase turnover by £1 billion each year by 2020.

Chief executive of New West End Company, Jace Tyrrell said: "While many retailers are concerned about the economic future, the West End is in the strongest position to grow as the UK leaves the EU.

"With spending by international shoppers increasing and the Elizabeth Line delivering millions of new visitors and an extra £1 billion in turnover each year, the West End remains the place for retail investment. New West End is focused on maximising these opportunities, whether through advocating for changes to business rates, or securing funding for regeneration projects to make sure every visitor to London has a positive experience of the unrivalled wealth of shopping, leisure and cultural opportunities on offer."