Tag: Princes Street

Lord Provost opens new state-of-the-art hearing centre

Scotland’s first state-of-the-art hearing stores open in capital 

  • Edinburgh has welcomed its first-ever World of Hearing store by Boots Hearingcare
  • Almost a fifth of people admit they may have a hearing loss but don’t wear a hearing aid
  • The new store gives customers an immersive experience in order to see which hearing aid is best for them. 

On Monday (29 July), Edinburgh welcomed Scotland’s first World of Hearing store from Boots Hearingcare.

The store is not a regular hearing test centre. It offers an impressive high-tech immersion room designed to revolutionise the way people think about hearing care. 

The Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, officially opened the store, with councillors including Hal Osler, Lezley Marion Cameron, and Claire Miller in attendance, as well as representatives from the Lions Club and Deaf Action.

With approximately 11 million people in the UK living with an untreated hearing lossii, it is the UK’s second most common disability.  

The new World of Hearing store offers customers the chance to test out a range of hearing aids for themselves in a variety of settings – such as a busy restaurant or concert.

This helps people get a feel for what it would be like to have a hearing aid fitted in real life.  The new store supports Boots Hearingcare’s mission to break down old fashioned stigmas around the use of hearing aids and demonstrate first-hand how transformational life can be when you reconnect with the sounds you love.  

The store also allows customers to trial hearing aids before purchasing, enabling them to experience the benefits first hand. 

Jack Lovie, Hearing Aid Audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, said: “The team and I are very excited to be part of the first World of Hearing store in Scotland.

“This state-of-the-art experience will provide a new perspective on hearing aid technology and hearing aids, by providing new and innovative ways for the people of Edinburgh to discover how their hearing, confidence and overall quality of life can be significantly enhanced through the use of modern hearing solutions. 

“Regular hearing tests are crucial not only for ear health but also for mental well-being, as hearing loss can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and reduced social participation. By ensuring that hearing health is actively monitored, individuals can enjoy those special moments more with family and friends.” 

According to Boots Hearingcare research: 

·         35% of hearing aid users in Scotland lived for five years with an untreated hearing loss before taking action, with 44% of people living in denial of their hearing loss. 

·         32% of Scottish hearing aid users began to socialise less frequently as a result of not being able to hear, with 26% who began to dread social situations and / or family occasions.  

·         Almost half (47%) of people missed out on socialising with friends as a result of living with an untreated hearing loss due to feeling anxious about not being able to hear and finding the listening effort too tiring.  

·         Over half (56%) of Scottish hearing aid users coped with an untreated hearing loss by turning up the volume on the TV and by guessing what was being said during conversations.  

·         53% of hearing aid users in Scotland believe there is some stigma associated with hearing loss and/or wearing hearing aids. 

·         74% of Scottish hearing aid users have loved being able to chat with friends and family more easily since being fitted with hearing aids, with 56% of those loving this the most about the hearing aids. 

Echo Lu, Managing Director of Boots Hearingcare said: “We are delighted to be opening the World of Hearing store in Edinburgh, the first of its kind in Scotland, providing customers with an immersive state-of-the-art environment to solve their hearing problems. 

“On average, it takes ten years for someone to address they have a hearing problem. We hope this new innovative format can help remove the stigma associated with hearing loss and encourage more people to act on their hearing loss and to experience the joy of better hearing and better quality of life, with the latest technology and great customer care from Boots.” 

The store is located inside of the Boots UK store on Princes Street. 

Boots Edinburgh Princes Street store reveals exciting refurbishment

  • Boots on Princes Street unveils fresh, new and updated look for customers
  • It incorporates a renewed beauty hall packed with new premium beauty and haircare brands
  • Reinvented healthcare area includes new private consultation rooms to offer more services 
  • Scotland’s very first World of Hearing area opens within the store 
  • A celebratory event is taking place this weekend, with giveaways, sampling, DJ and refreshments

Boots is today unveiling a new look, fully refurbished store on Princes Street in Edinburgh. Packed with a host of new brands, the store has been completely transformed and redesigned to create the very best shopping experience for customers. 

The store refit, which was completed earlier this month, features an extensive beauty hall with new and updated beauty counters. It is also now home to 12 exciting new Premium Beauty and Haircare brands including Kylie Cosmetics, Sol de Janerio, Caudalie, Philip Kingsley, Fenty Beauty and many more, as well as all of the much-loved beauty brands that customers enjoy shopping for at Boots, such as No7, Liz Earle, Soap & Glory and Boots own brand. The store also offers five Boots Beauty Specialists that are on hand to offer beauty advice and guidance to customers. 

The healthcare space in the store has also been reinvented, with a new look pharmacy. Located on the first floor, the new healthcare area includes a new dispensary and two new private consultation rooms, that will allow the store to offer more healthcare services than ever before, including covid vaccinations, chickenpox vaccinations, HPV vaccinations, NHS Pharmacy First services and Blood Pressure Checks.

Kirsten Darling, Store Manager said: “We are delighted to unveil our new and refurbished store to the local community.

“The store really is a one stop shop for health and beauty at the heart of Edinburgh, and we are so proud to continue serving the community on such an iconic and well-known street. The store has a lot of history, having originally being built in 1912, and now this refit will see us fit to serve into the future. 

“We have lots of exciting new beauty brands, revamped health and beauty areas, as well as expert advice and services available. I’d like to say a huge thank you to my store team who have been amazing throughout the whole refit process and we hope customers love the new look store as much as we do.”

The store is now also home to Scotland’s first World of Hearing area, which offers customers the chance to test out a range of hearing aids for themselves in a variety of settings; by impersonating what it would sound like if they were in a busy restaurant or at a concert. This helps people living with hearing loss to experience the benefits of having a hearing aid fitted in real life situations. 

The store is holding a celebration event this weekend with customers invited to visit the store throughout Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July. They can enjoy product sampling, a DJ, plus cupcakes and refreshments. The weekend event kick-starts with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9am on Friday. 

The first 200 customers to visit the store from 9am will receive an exclusive tote bag from Scottish beauty brand BYOMA, including minis of its best-sellers; the Creamy Jelly Cleanser and Moisturising Gel Cream. 

Youth arrested and charged following city centre chase

Around 7.50pm on Wednesday, 17 July, 2024, police officers observed a stolen vehicle being driven in the West Port area.

It failed to stop, and a short pursuit took place on Lady Lawson Street towards Lothian Road where it was cancelled for safety reasons.

Shortly afterwards, the same vehicle then struck a female pedestrian on Princes Street, before continuing onto South Saint David Street where it crashed into another vehicle.

A 17-year-old male was arrested on Market Street by officers following a short foot chase. He has been charged in connection with road traffic offences and released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.

Emergency services attended, and the female pedestrian was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to minor injuries. The driver of the other vehicle wasn’t injured.

One lane of Princes Street was closed near the Scott Monument for around three hours as enquiries were carried out, which caused some disruption to public transport.

Police would like to thank members of the public who assisted officers in tracing the male.

Police appeal following Princes Street assault

POLICE are appealing for information following a serious assault in Edinburgh.

The incident happened around midnight on Tuesday, 2 July, 2024 at the number 30 bus stop on Princes Street, travelling west between Charlotte Street and Castle Street.

A 47-year-old man was seriously assaulted after he tried to intervene in an argument involving a man and woman. He later attended at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious injuries.

Around 12.05am, the suspect and woman boarded the N11 Lothian Bus at Lothian Road, travelling towards Morningside.

Detective Constable Ryan Webster said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone who may have information to contact us.

“We are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or been at the bus stop to please get in touch.

“We are also looking to speak to a couple onboard the N11 bus who interacted with the suspect and the woman on the top deck.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident 1035 of 2 July, 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

Police appeal for info following Princes Street road accident

POLICE are appealing for information following a crash involving a car and a pedestrian in Edinburgh.

The crash happened around 5.35pm on Friday, 21 June, 2024 on Princes Street.

The pedestrian, an 83-year-old man, was taken to The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

Constable Chris Beddows said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are now appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash to contact us.

“We also ask motorists with dashcam footage of the area at the time to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 2965 of 21 June, 2024.

Princes Street serious assault: Do you recognise this man?

Police have released an image of a man who may be able to assist officers with their investigation into a serious assault in Edinburgh on Sunday, 19 May 2024.

The incident happened around 3am on Princes Street, near to South Charlotte Street.

A 38-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment.

The man is described as white, around twenty to thirty-years-old, of slim build, with light hair. He was wearing a navy-blue polo neck, blue jeans, and black trainers with white soles.

He was carrying a maroon jumper around his shoulders.

DC Calum Turnbull of Gayfield Square CID, said: “We encourage this man, anyone who may recognise him, or anyone with information about this incident to get in touch.”

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference number 0665 of 19 May 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Drumming up business at new Princes Street store

UNIQLO’s first Scottish store is open

Taiko Drummers marked the opening of the global apparel retailer’s store on Princes Street yesterday.

UNIQLO boasts a spacious retail space spanning approximately 1,430 sq meters across two floors featuring the full collection of LifeWear for men, women, kids and babies.

Alessandro Dudech, Chief Operating Officer at UNIQLO U.K, Erhan Demir, UNIQLO Edinburgh General Manager, cut the ribbon to UNIQLO’s first Scottish store with special guests from the Japanese Consulate, Mr Tadashi Fujiwara and Ms Minori Ishii, and UNIQLO People Campaign cast member, Aisha Fatunmbi Randall, who has been at the forefront of the restoration of Leith Theatre in her role as Marketing and Digital Coordinator.

To mark the grand opening, UNIQLO Edinburgh is hosting special promotions and events, offering customers the chance to discover the latest styles and enjoy exclusive offers.

UNIQLO app customers will be in with the chance of winning a trip to Tokyo, by scanning the app with any purchase during opening weekend to be entered into the draw.

There will be limited price promotions exclusive to the Princes Street store on items such as Ultra Light Down, Extra Fine Merino sweaters, pleated wide pants and selected innerwear for both men and women.

UNIQLO currently has 19 stores in the U.K. The new Edinburgh Princes Street store opens hot on the heels of One Oxford Street in London on 18th April 2024.

The UNIQLO Edinburgh store operates during regular business hours, providing shoppers with ample opportunities to experience the brand’s renowned offerings. Whether seeking timeless classics or contemporary trends, UNIQLO invites the Edinburgh community to visit its newest location.

For more information about the new store, please visit:

 https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/content/edinburgh.html

UNIQLO opens today on Princes Street

UNIQLO is preparing to open the doors to its first and highly anticipated Scottish store in Edinburgh today.

Welcoming the city’s shoppers to the Princes Street store, the opening is set to regenerate the capital’s shopping scene. Boasting a spacious retail space spanning approximately 1,400 sq meters across two floors, the first Scottish store showcases the full collection of LifeWear for men, women, kids and babies. 

Alessandro Dudech, Chief Operating Officer at UNIQLO U.K said: “We are delighted to bring UNIQLO to the thriving city of Edinburgh.

“Our brand is dedicated to providing innovative and high-quality clothing that caters to the needs and preferences of diverse lifestyles. With our presence in Edinburgh, we aim to become an integral part of the local community, offering a unique shopping experience that blends style, comfort and affordability.” 

Housed in the iconic, modernist purpose-built retail store, designed by Johnson-Marshall and Partners in 1965, the UNIQLO Princes Street store features a wide range of popular collections.

Customers will be able to explore linen, BLOCKTECH, the brand’s smart range of water resistant and windproof items, as well as the high-performing AIRism collection, renowned for its lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics that adapt seamlessly to diverse climates.

UNIQLO SS24 collection available in Princes Street store from 25th April.

Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, said: “It’s fantastic news that UNIQLO, a global brand and one of Japan’s foremost casual wear retailers, has chosen Princes Street here in the Capital as the location for their flagship Scottish store.

“This is testament to the pull of our city to major international companies and I’m really looking forward to seeing the store open its doors. I’m encouraged to hear that UNIQLO will be partnering with local charity, Social Bite, working towards ending homelessness.

“Edinburgh is a city that is truly open for business and I’m excited to see what the future holds for Princes Street and beyond. I’m sure UNIQLO will make their mark here and I wish them every success.” 

In-store Experience

The Japanese retailer’s first Scottish store focuses on experience-led features for customers including; RE.UNIQLO Studio and an in-store Japanese tearoom.

Following the success of UNIQLO UK’s first in-store café, which opened last year in the Covent Garden store, the Princes Street store will proudly unveil the brand’s second UK in-store café. Developed in partnership with Japanese tearoom, Katsute100, the space will offer customers Japanese inspired refreshments on the first floor, overlooking a picturesque view of Princes Street Gardens and the spectacular Edinburgh Castle.

Located next to the cafe is the RE.UNIQLO Studio where customers can recycle, repair or remake their favourite UNIQLO items so they can keep wearing and loving them for longer. In partnership with Scotland’s other national drink, IRN-BRU, customers can add BRU-themed embroidery pieces to their UNIQLO items for a limited time only. This is an exclusive to the Edinburgh RE.UNIQLO counter until the end of May 2024.

Limited edition designs in partnership with IRN-BRU, available for embroidery in the RE.UNIQLO Studio until the end of May.

Local partners

UNIQLO will champion local craftsmanship in the Princes Street store, featuring exclusive collaborations with Tom Fraser, Principal of the Chippendale School of Furniture and local artist Arran Rahimian, Tom’s hand-crafted benches will sit across the store’s interior, while Arran’s bespoke artworks will be found in the fitting rooms and adorned upon exclusive goody bags that will be distributed during the launch day festivities.

Other local partnerships that will be featured within the new UNIQLO store include an instore library with a curated collection of books provided by Golden Hare Books, giving customers an opportunity to read while in-store. Botanical studio, PYRUS has also lent its expertise, dressing the store with beautiful floral arrangements inspired by Edinburgh’s natural landscape, adding a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere upon entry to the store.

Curated collection of books provided by Golden Hare Books

Additionally, UNIQLO will partner with local charity Social Bite to support its mission to end homelessness. As part of this partnership UNIQLO is working with Social Bite to develop recruitment pathways by creating in-store job opportunities for the people the charity supports. Edinburgh staff will be volunteering with Social Bite and have provided clothing donations.

Opening Day Offers and Events

To commemorate the grand opening, UNIQLO Edinburgh is hosting special promotions and events, offering customers the chance to discover the latest styles and enjoy exclusive offers.

The first 100 customers through the door will receive a goody bag while UNIQLO app customers will be in with the chance of winning a trip to Tokyo, by scanning the app with any purchase during opening weekend to be entered into the draw. There will be limited price promotions exclusive to the Princes Street store on items such as Ultra Light Down, Extra Fine Merino sweaters, pleated wide pants and selected innerwear for both men and women.

Fans are invited to share their excitement across social channels using #UniqloEdinburgh, when they spot the activity including the UNIQLO branded Edinburgh Trams in the wake of the opening.

UNIQLO currently has 19 stores in the U.K. The new Edinburgh Princes Street store opens hot on the heels of One Oxford Street in London on 18th April 2024.

The UNIQLO Edinburgh store operates during regular business hours, providing shoppers with ample opportunities to experience the brand’s renowned offerings. Whether seeking timeless classics or contemporary trends, UNIQLO invites the Edinburgh community to visit its newest location.

For more information about the new store, please visit:

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/content/edinburgh.html

New UNIQLO store to open on Princes Street on 25th April

New store marks UNIQLO’s first entrance into Scotland

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO will open its doors to the capital’s highly anticipated store on 25 April 2024, with the arrival marks the regeneration of the shopping scene in Scotland’s capital.

With its longstanding commitment to quality, style, functionality and comfort, UNIQLO promises to bring a fresh perspective to not only Edinburgh, but Scotland’s fashion landscape, offering a spacious store spanning approximately 1,430sq meters across two floors.

Housed in the iconic, modernist purpose-built retail store, designed by Johnson-Marshall and Partners in 1965, the location on Edinburgh’s bustling Princes Street, allows for scenic views of the Castle from the first floor windows.

Customers can expect to find the full women’s, men’s, kids and baby ranges alongside UNIQLO’s signature products such as linen, BLOCKTECH, their smart range of water resistant and windproof items, as well as the high-performing AIRism collection, renowned for its lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics that adapt seamlessly to diverse climates.

Alessandro Dudech, Chief Operating Officer at UNIQLO U.K, said: “At UNIQLO, we are deeply committed to supporting and enriching the communities where we operate.

“The opening of our new store in Edinburgh represents an exciting opportunity to forge lasting connections with local residents, businesses and organisations. Edinburgh is a city of great cultural and historical heritage, and we are excited to partner with a few of the many people who help to make the city so vibrant.

“Together, we will show how LifeWear brings people together, transcending differences in everyday lives. We invite the people of Edinburgh to join us in celebrating the opening of our new store and to be part of this exciting milestone with us.” 

UNIQLO SS24 collection available in Princes Street store from 25th April

Edinburgh People Campaign

To mark the launch, UNIQLO is collaborating with Edinburgh natives and those who have made home in the city to showcase the city’s vibrant cultural scene, unique style and diverse creative expressions. The partnership showcases seven locals who represent Edinburgh’s vibrant spirit and embody the UNIQLO LifeWear ethos. UNIQLO LifeWear is innovative, high-quality clothing that is designed to make everyone’s life better.

Faces include Balerno-raised singer songwriter, Nina Nesbitt, and freelance music journalist, Aisha Fatunmbi-Randall, who has been at the forefront of the restoration of Leith Theatre in her role as Marketing and Digital Coordinator.

From Edinburgh’s thriving food and drink scene, Darcie Maher, Head Baker and Owner of Lannan Bakery joins the line up alongside the capital’s leading whisky expert, TJ Littlejohn, who also serves as Head of Advocacy and Experience at The Glenmorangie Company.

Completing the lineup of collaborations with Edinburgh’s locals, is artist Arran Rahimian; Dr Stacey Hunter, Design Curator and Creative Director of Local Heroes and Tom Fraser, Principal of the highly acclaimed Chippendale International School of Furniture.

From top: Nina Nesbitt, Aisha Fatunbi-Randall, Darcie Maher, Dr Stacey Hunter, Tom Fraser, Arran Rahiman and TJ Littlejohn

Opening Offers

To celebrate the Princes Street store opening, UNIQLO will be offering the first 100 customers through the door a goody bag, there will also be the exciting opportunity for app scan customers to win a trip to Tokyo, just scan the UNIQLO app with any purchase to be entered into the draw (T&Cs apply). More offers to be announced.

Fans are invited to share their excitement across social channels using #UniqloEdinburgh, when they spot the activity including the UNIQLO branded Edinburgh Trams in the run up to the opening.

UNIQLO currently has 17 stores in the U.K. This new Edinburgh store will open alongside a new store in London, One Oxford Street, in Spring 2024 and will follow the Covent Garden store that opened on 27 April 2023, taking the total number of UNIQLO stores in the U.K. to 19 once opened.

UNIQLO Edinburgh: https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/content/edinburgh.html