In fact it's positively brimming with consumer confidence.
It has been a lousy summer for retail businesses; wet weather and lack of sunshine keep shoppers away. Nationwide, visitor numbers are generally down compared to last year.
But not in Wigan.

More people are using the town centre's car parks and the number of pedestrians in the main shopping areas is higher than previous years. A new board has been set up to ensure this trend-bucking continues.

Wigan's town centre manager Mike Matthew says there's more good news ahead. He said: "There are signs of further growth with several new businesses opening soon, including a new Wilkinson's store in early November. It will be on the site of the former Debenhams on Standishgate, which has been refurbished.

"Ann Summers is relocating to the Grand Arcade and other businesses are looking at the few remaining vacant units in the shopping centre. These include a ladies' fashion store, optical outlet and a book retailer."
For all foodies there are several new eateries opening soon. These include the transformation of the Crofters Pub on Market Street into an oriental restaurant and the Stables Brasserie on Millgate.

A new men's fashion outlet – Messi – has just opened in Makinson Arcade.
A recent arrival is Phone Exchange, which has opened in the same arcade. The shop sells new and used mobile phones, as well as phone accessories and provides a repair service.

And after several months' residence in the Grand Arcade, popular book retailer; The Works, has now resurfaced in the Galleries near to BB's Coffee and Muffins and was due to open this week.
The Richard Paxton, centre director of The Galleries, Marketgate and Makinson Arcade, said: "We are delighted to announce the arrival of these three new retailers."

A new group has been formed to keep the business and shopping interest in the town centre going. To know more about opportunities in Wigan or about the Wigan Town Centre Board contact Mike Matthews on 01942 828890.