Tag: retail

Fort Kinnaird confirms festive opening hours

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its festive opening times for last minute shopping and anyone planning a day out over the Christmas period.

Fort Kinnaird’s full opening times in the run up to and throughout the Christmas week are: 

  • Friday 20th December: 9am – 9pm
  • Saturday 21st December: 9am – 6pm
  • Sunday 22nd December: 9am – 6pm
  • Monday 23rd December: 9am – 9pm
  • Tuesday 24th December (Christmas Eve): 9am – 5pm
  • Wednesday 25th December (Christmas Day): Closed  
  • Thursday 26th December (Boxing Day): 9am – 6pm
  • Friday 27th December: 9am – 8pm
  • Saturday 28th December: 9am – 6pm
  • Sunday 29th December: 9am – 6pm
  • Monday 30th December: 9am – 9pm
  • Tuesday 31st December (Hogmanay): 9am – 5pm 
  • Wednesday 1st January (New Year’s Day): Selected stores open from 9am 6pm
  • Thursday 2nd January (Bank Holiday): 9am – 8pm
  • Friday 3rd January: 9am – 8pm
  • Saturday 4th January – normal trading hours resume: 9am – 6pm

Opening days and times will vary by store, so it’s always recommended that visitors check with individual retailers before setting off. 

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Whether you’re visiting to pick up last-minute Christmas gifts, enjoy a seasonal meal, or simply to spend time with loved ones, we’re here right through the festive period to ensure you can get everything you need.”

In collaboration with Edinburgh-based charity, Cyrenians, Fort Kinnaird has also launched a Letters of Hope initiative this festive season, collecting and distributing heartfelt Christmas cards to those at risk of homelessness in and around the city.  

Shoppers can post letters and cards into the special post box – located outside ODEON Cinema – until 20th December. They will then be distributed by Cyrenians in plenty of time for Christmas.  

For more information on Fort Kinnaird and to plan your festive trip please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/christmas-day-out

Call for Edinburgh shoppers to choose local this Christmas

Spenders urged to not to turn only to online giants and to spend with region’s businesses

Festive shoppers across Edinburgh and the Lothians are being urged to choose local in the final countdown to Christmas.

With the seasonal shopping season now at its peak, the team behind Scotland Loves Local is urging everyone in the region to prioritise local shops, attractions and enterprises, rather than automatically turning to online retail giants.

The so-called Golden Quarter during the lead-up to Christmas is the most important time of the year for many.

Kimberley Guthrie is Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation which spearheads Scotland Loves Local.

She said: “Edinburgh and the communities of the Lothians are blessed with so many unique and brilliant local businesses. It’s vital that everyone locally gets out there and supports them.

“This is a critical time for all retail and hospitality businesses. The difference we can make by choosing local and getting behind them really can define their year.

“Whether in person or online, we would encourage everyone to think local first when shopping. It’s an investment in your community’s future.

“By doing so, we are helping to secure the future of local businesses – many of which have served our communities for generations – the jobs of our friends and neighbours and ensuring the foundations remain from which our towns can build a new future.”

Scotland Loves Local is the campaign that urges people to think, choose and spend locally to build better futures for their community. It is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), with support from the Scottish Government.

In recent months, organisations of all kinds across the country have been signing the Scotland Loves Local Pledge – a promise that they will choose local and support the businesses around them whenever it is possible for them to do so.

“That is a pledge that people really can fulfil over the coming weeks,” Kimberley added.

A way in which local people can show that support is by using the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card. Cards can only be spent in the regions they are branded. That makes them a direct way in which money can be used to support local jobs in shops, bars, restaurants and visitor attractions.

Digital developments to the programme in recent months mean it has become easier than ever for businesses to use them as staff rewards this Christmas.

For more information about the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card, go to:

www.lovelocal.scot/giftcard.

A job like no other: Fort Kinnaird launches search for Chief Christmas Officer!

In the lead up to the festive period, Fort Kinnaird is on the hunt for its first ever Chief Christmas Officer (CCO)! 

The lucky young recruit will bag their dream role, with the opportunity to try out the wealth of retailers and experiences at the centre for free, indulging in tasty festive treats and bagging plenty of Christmas goodies all in exchange for their review.

The new CCO will spend a big day out at the centre from seeing one of the latest movies at ODEON Cinema to reviewing the new festive menu at Frankie & Benny’s, with Fort Kinnaird’s newest and littlest recruit rating their experience to make sure it’s fit for a fun-filled festive season.   

What’s more, the CCO will also get the chance to sample the new festive hot chocolate and treats at Hotel Chocolat and test out this year’s most popular toys and gadgets at Menkind, with the lucky individual getting to take one home.

The ideal candidate for the role will be a fun-loving adventurer who loves trying new experiences and must be aged between six and twelve.  

To apply for the opportunity of a lifetime, youngsters should ask their parent or guardian to email fortkinniard.CCO@citypress.co.uk with their name, age and why they’d be the perfect candidate, by Monday 2nd December at 23:59.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “At Fort Kinnaird, we’re constantly working to improve the experience of our visitors, and launching the quest for our new Chief Christmas Officer does just that – helping one lucky family to make unforgettable memories while ensuring our festivities are up to scratch!

“Whether you’re shopping for a new Christmas outfit, sampling the latest festive menus or catching a much-loved family-favourite on the big screen, Fort Kinnaird is the perfect place to enjoy a family day out, and our CCO’s suggestions will help us to make sure we’re giving visitors the best possible festive season.

“This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a child to become our new Chief Christmas Officer will be the ultimate test to see how we shape up, and we can’t wait to welcome the lucky recruit to the centre!”

For more information and to find out whether the CCO role is for you, please see the full job description and terms & conditions, here.

For more information on the stores available at Fort Kinnaird, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/  

M&S Edinburgh colleague celebrates 50 golden Christmases

Susan Jack, a shining star at Marks & Spencer’s Princes Street store in Edinburgh is celebrating a half-century of holiday magic this year.

Sales Advisor for Jaeger and Womenswear at Marks & Spencer Princes Street, Susan is celebrating her 50th Christmas working for the high-street retailer and is particularly excited about this year’s range of sparkling dresses and skirts, perfect for any festive occasion.

Susan’s M&S career began just before Christmas in 1974 at the Princes Street store, just in time for the holiday rush in the ‘Ladies Fashions’ department.

With 50 years retail experience now under her belt, Susan has witnessed incredible innovations, from the evolution of tights to the affordability of cashmere and to the sparkle of the modern-day beauty counter, particularly at Christmas. She has always been fascinated by the changing trends in customer shopping habits.

From 1994 to 1999, Susan left the Princes Street store to join the opening team at the Gyle Shopping Centre. Remarked as one of Susan’s proudest moments, she thrived in training the new store team before returning to Princes Street as a Section Manager for Womenswear.

For Susan, the Christmas season is a magical time, she reflected: “Christmas is always special, particularly watching customers come in for their Christmas food shop. It brings so much joy to the store.” 

She fondly looks back on the annual ‘turkey trot’, a term the team has coined for when Edinburgh shoppers collected their turkey and cranberry sauce! 

The Turkey ordering service was soon introduced in 1982 to enhance convenience for customers. 

As for Susan’s favourite turkey, she reveals: “The British Oakham Turkey Breast Joint is my favourite, we get it every year as it carves like a dream!”.

Susan has cherished celebrating Christmas with her colleagues over the years. From being amongst the first to sample the Christmas range as soon as it’s released, to attending January Christmas parties (a retail tradition), she has seen it all.

Reflecting on her five decades working for the retailer, Susan Jack, says: “More than anything over the years, M&S has given me confidence; I was very shy when I started, but my time at M&S has taught me how to be outgoing, reassuring me in my skills.

“I’d like to thank all my colleagues for creating such an enjoyable working environment and M&S for all the opportunities I’ve had over the last 50 years. The friendships I have made over the past five decades are truly irreplaceable and will last a lifetime.

“Watching their children grow up and become parents themselves is something I am forever grateful for.”

Store Manager Jon Cameron added; “I am immensely proud of the incredible dedication and achievements Susan has made over the past 50 years. Her unwavering commitment, exceptional service, and the positive impact she has on both our team and customers are truly inspiring.

“We are honoured to celebrate this remarkable milestone and look forward to many more years working alongside Susan.”

New report reveals Amazon’s £3.5 billion investment in Scotland

The latest edition of the Amazon Economic Impact Report is released today, and the figures show that since 2010, Amazon has invested more than £3.5 billion in Scotland. The figures are taken from the latest Amazon Economic Impact Hub, which details the investments made by Amazon across the UK since 2010.

The 2024 Amazon UK Economic Impact Hub features data on the number of jobs Amazon has created regionally and the level of the company’s economic activity supported by its investments. The figures also show the number of local, independent SMEs supported by Amazon and the export sales achieved by businesses who sell products on Amazon.

The 2024 Amazon Economic Impact Report reveals:

  • Since 2010, Amazon has invested around £2.6 billion in Eastern Scotland and over £3.5 billion in Scotland.
  • This investment led to the production of goods and services that contributed over an estimated £3 billion to Scotland’s GDP since 2010.
  • To date, Amazon has created around 3,000 full and part-time jobs in Scotland.
  • More than 130 people in Scotland have completed Amazon’s employability skills training programme since 2010.
  • More than 200 apprentices in Scotland have qualified from the Amazon Apprenticeship programme since 2010.
  • In Scotland, there are around 4,000 small and medium-sized businesses selling on Amazon as independent selling partners.
  • Small businesses from Scotland selling on Amazon recorded over £160 million of export sales in 2023. Small businesses in Eastern Scotland selling on Amazon recorded over £85 million of export sales in 2023.
  • The Big House Multibank in Fife, co-founded by Amazon and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown in 2022, has donated over 2 million surplus goods to families in need across Scotland

Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “We’re passionate about supporting the regional economy and the wider Scottish community through investments, job creation, charity donations and volunteering. 

“Amazon continues to make a positive impact, including upskilling our employees and helping small businesses in our community reach new heights.

“While we continue to invest in the regional economy, we’re also stepping up our support of community organisations in Dunfermline.

“In 2024, our team has supported a wide range of organisations including Scot Baby Box Appeal, Lochgelly High School and CHAS through employee volunteering, product donations and financial support.

“We’re excited to continue supporting good causes over the coming months while we deliver for customers, sellers and communities.”

More details about Amazon’s economic impact in the UK can be found here – https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/company-news/amazon-economic-impact-uk-tax-contributions-investments

First Look: Gucci’s first standalone boutique in Edinburgh unveiled

MULTREES WALK WELCOMES GUCCI TO EDINBURGH

Gucci is expanding its presence in the UK with the opening of its first standalone boutique outside of London, in Edinburgh.

Situated in the Scottish capital’s luxury shopping destination Multrees Walk, the space spans over 367 square meters and carries a wide selection of product comprising of both men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, handbags, accessories, shoes and jewellery.

The store’s interior design places Gucci’s collections at the forefront, featuring an optical marble flooring inspired by designs in historic buildings, complemented by Gucci Rosso Ancora red, acid green and yellow carpeting, which define various areas within the store.

Clean lines and understated tones are complemented by an intuitive appreciation for Made in Italy values – quality, authenticity, and a distinct sense of style – which resonate with the meticulous choices of materials and furnishings, in harmony with Sabato De Sarno’s contemporary aesthetic.

With a wide assortment of leather accessories available, the space showcases a curated selection of signature handbag lines, including the Jackie 1961, the Horsebit 1955 and the Bamboo 1947 offered in various precious leather variations. 

As part of Gucci’s commitment to implement and enhance eco-friendly initiatives and energy-efficient technologies in the House’s stores worldwide, the new boutique is designed using LEED guidelines and principles; monitor and promote energy efficiency.

Multrees Walk has also welcomed a number of global brands this year including TAG Heuer, Michael Kors and Mappin & Webb, with Omega due to open later this year elevating the luxury retail offering in the capital.

New Home Bargains store opening at Fort Kinnaird Retail Park

Home Bargains has invested approximately £1million into its new store, ‘Edinburgh 3’, located at Fort Kinnaird Retail Park, Edinburgh, which will be officially opened at 8.00 am on Saturday 14th September, 2024.  

As one of the UK’s largest family-run retailers, Home Bargains is creating 60 new jobs in the local community with its new store in Edinburgh.

The new ‘Edinburgh 3’ store will complement the existing Edinburgh stores and over 600 outlets across the UK. Opening approximately 50 stores a year, Home Bargains is bucking current trends in the industry.

Robert Sivewright, the new Edinburgh 3 store manager, said: ” I am super excited to be opening the new XL store in Fort Kinnaird, there is nothing about the process that hasn’t excited me, the planning stages and keeping things on track with my secret love of a spreadsheet.

“The pressure of a new store and a brand-new team of around 60 team members and 6 management has given me even more drive and determination, my goals for the store are clear for everyone to ‘be their best’ and together as a team we can achieve.”

 “As the latest location in this vibrant community, we’ve created 60 job opportunities, igniting pride and progress among our fellow residents. This store goes beyond mere bricks and shelves; it symbolizes a place where dreams can flourish.”

The 15,672 sq. ft store, will offer shoppers a range of products, including homewares, health and beauty essentials, sweets, snacks and drinks, as well as fresh and frozen food.

Robert Sivewright added: “Our new Edinburgh location will be a great store for us, and we’re proud to be able to offer local people top-branded goods at exceptionally low prices.”

With more than five million customers each week, Home Bargains is one of the country’s best-loved discount retailers, stocking top-quality branded goods at low prices.

For more information on the ranges available, visit www.homebargains.co.uk. 
Edinburgh 3 Store Address: Fort Kinnaird Retail Park, Edinburgh, EH15 3RD.

The Centre Livingston set to host an Autumn/Winter style event with a £300 giveaway

The Centre, Livingston will be hosting an Autumn/Winter style event on Saturday, 14th September, 12 – 4pm with local stylist and colour expert, Leigh Maybury, where shoppers can get top tips on key trends this season and be in with a chance of winning a £50 Gift Card to treat themselves.

The free event follows on from the success of Leigh’s first Spring/Summer event in May this year where visitors travelled from around the country for style tips and a colour analysis to find out which shades compliment them the most, and ones to avoid, when it comes to shopping for clothes, accessories and make up.

Leigh, a former Director at the jewellery company, Sella & Dot, qualified at the London College of Style and trained in the art of colour, before launching her own company, Life with Style in 2016. Her aim is to give people the confidence to get out of their comfort zone and try something new, not just on special occasions, but every day.

The event, which will be located near M&S, will give visitors to the shopping mall the chance to get an insight into style trends including animal prints and how to incorporate the season’s key colours, like red and chocolate brown with good neutrals to help build an easy to wear Autumn/Winter capsule wardrobe.

There will also be mini colour analysis sessions on a first come, first service basis, with limited spaces available, and a live ‘Style Talk’ at 1pm and 3pm on dopamine dressing and how to wear bright colours that give you a natural boost and make you feel happy.

Six lucky shoppers will also be in with a chance of winning a £50 Gift Card each to spend on a new outfit on the day.

Leigh said: “I’m delighted to be back at The Centre, Livingston on the 14th September to share my top Autumn/Winter style tips and trends with shoppers.

“Whether it’s an event you are going to or looking for advice on everyday wear, I’ll be able to help you to find exactly what you are looking for in the wide mix of fantastic shops which will make you look and feel great throughout the season.”

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We are really looking forward to having the expert stylist Leigh Maybury back into the shopping centre this month.

“Our last style event was such a big hit with shoppers who travelled far and wide to get advice on new trends and colours which is why we wanted to host another one which focused on Autumn/Winter key trends, and this time give shoppers the chance to win a Gift Card too.”

Michael Kors debuts new store concept in Edinburgh

Michael Kors is pleased to announce a new, expanded Michael Kors Lifestyle store location on the renowned Multrees Walk in Edinburgh, this July. The store’s transformation reflects the brand’s new store design concept, with a focus on pared-down luxury and sophisticated glamour.

The 3,380 -square-foot store will carry a luxe selection of MICHAEL Michael Kors fashion and accessories, including handbags, ready-to-wear, small leather goods and footwear, as well as watches, jewellery and eyewear.

The store will also carry a broad assortment of leather goods, ready-to-wear, footwear and small leather goods from the Michael Kors Mens label, available on Multrees Walk for the first time.

The new Michael Kors store concept reflects the brand’s commitment to laid-back luxury, with an emphasis on ease and sophistication. Customers are welcomed into an atmosphere warmed by soft neutral tones, residential décor cues and an open, airy ambience enhanced by floating shelves and vivid light.

The setting invites customers to browse, shop and enjoy the brand’s exceptional personal styling and service.

Interior design elements include hand-troweled plaster finishes and a refined spectrum of material choices including warm oak wood flooring, glossed black and white marble, and brushed nickel fixtures. A palette of warm whites and soft beiges is paired with textural accents and tactile fabrics that complement Michael Kors’ luxurious take on glamour.

Commenting on the newly expanded store, Adam Stone, Head of Retail Asset Management UK at Nuveen said: “Multrees Walk has been home to Michael Kors since 2012, and we are delighted to see them thrive and flourish so successfully to the point where a larger store was required.

“The expansion will also see new lines and product offerings in Edinburgh which is fantastic news for our shoppers to Multrees Walk. 2024 is a very exciting year for Multrees Walk as we grow and evolve the retail offering by welcoming a number of high-end luxury brands.”

‘Break’ into the Olympic spirit at St James Quarter

As Scotland’s official Team GB Fanzone, St James Quarter is hosting a Festival of Sport to celebrate the 2024 Olympics. From screenings to interactive fitness and competitive classes, the spirit of sport will be all around the Quarter. 

Inspired by the Paris 2024 Olympics, St James Quarter will invite guests to ‘get active’ from 26 July—11 August, with a whole host of sporting festivities and special guests, as it launches its ‘Festival of Sport’ right in the heart of the city.

As the official Team GB Fanzone in Scotland, the Quarter will show all the live action from the Olympics in Paris on a giant screen, delivered in partnership with Ocean Outdoor.

Spectators can visit the Fanzone on Level 5 to cheer on their favourite athletes from the comfort of the Quarter’s rooftop bar, with captivating views of Edinburgh’s historic Calton Hill. 

The official Team GB mascot Pride the Lion will join in the fun, heading to the Quarter to celebrate with sporting fans on 30th July.

Guests will also have the chance to meet and greet Olympic athletes, with Badminton player Kirsty Gilmour, who is competing in this year’s games, visiting the Fanzone on 7th August, and Joel Fearon, who competes in Athletics (Sprint) and Bobsleigh on 8th August.  

As part of the two-week-long Festival of Sport, St James Quarter, in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, is hosting a range of free fitness activities for all guests inspired by the UK’s success at the Olympics.

From Pilates to Body Combat, Hatton Boxing to Musical Theatre Fitness, there’s something for everyone to get into the spirit of the Games, including family-friendly classes. 

In addition, with breakdancing making its Olympic debut, B-Boys will ‘pop and lock’ around the Quarter, rocking live battles on Register Square and offering guests the opportunity to give it a spin.  There will also be football freestyling exhibitions to wow sporting fans. 

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

During the two-week Festival of Sport, the St James Quarter team, along with invited guests will be gearing up and ‘cycling’ to Paris in the heart of the Galleria, to raise money for the Quarter’s charity partners Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid. 

Home to over 80 brands from luxury boutiques to high-street stores, plus an enticing mix of restaurants and bars, St James Quarter is the perfect place to shop, dine, play and stay this summer.

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

To keep up to date with events happening throughout the Quarter, visit the St James Quarter website or download the St James Quarter App.