Tag: retail

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. 

Clarks freezes prices on much-loved school shoes

The trusted shoe brand also reduces prices of a third on  its Back-to-School collection

As the cost of living continues to bite this summer, Clarks today  announces that it’s keeping its market-leading school shoes at 2023 prices.

The  brand is also reducing the price of 33% of its Back-to-School collection, so parents  can rest assured that they will pay less, or the same, as last year – win win! 

CLARKS HAVE IT COVERED  

From a reassuring 3-month fit guarantee to money-saving bundles, Clarks have also  got plenty of offers to make life a little easier for parents this back-to-school season. 

MORE THAN A FIT. IT’S A GUARANTEE. 

If kids’ shoes don’t fit three months from their in-store fitting, parents can exchange  them for a new pair. It’s as simple as that.

BUY TOGETHER AND SAVE 

Parents can buy those back to school essentials together this season and get some  great savings. Like £10 off a pair of kids trainers when you buy a full price pair of  school shoes. Less time shopping, more money in the pocket. 

WHY BUY CLARKS SCHOOL SHOES? 

QUALITY THAT LASTS… 

Clarks promise unbeatable quality. Clarks School Shoes are made with premium  materials and are packed with kid friendly features and benefits for long-lasting  comfort. Prices start from £38. 

LIGHT 

All our school shoes are specifically designed to be lightweight, helping  children’s feet and ankles move the way they’re meant to. 

BREATHABLE 

Kids’ feet sweat twice as much as adults’ feet. So, all our kids’ school shoes  use leather uppers and mesh linings with an antimicrobial treatment – keeping  them breathable all day long. 

FLEXIBLE 

Clarks school shoes support kids’ natural gait cycle, helping children walk  freely and confiently. 

TOUGH 

As well as charging around the playground, more than half of kids walk or  cycle to school. With robust materials and durable constructions, Clarks shoes  withstand this wear. 

CUSHIONED 

Kids take 10-16,000 steps a day on average – so shoes need to be  comfortable. Crafted with cushioned footbeds, our shoes reduce impact and  add softness to each stride. 

WE’VE DONE OUR HOMEWORK 

With almost 200 years of children’s foot health expertise, parents trust Clarks to  deliver perfectly fitting, science-backed pairs of shoes that empower kids to be their  very best selves – all day, all term, all year.

WE KNOWS THE SCIENCE OF KIDS FEET 

Clarks partner with podiatry experts at the University of Salford and have recently  carried out one of the largest studies in children’s biomechanics. With over 1200 3D  scans across 300 children. So customers can rest assured that Clarks school shoes  help kids move comfortably and freely. 

IN-STORE FITTINGS AND QUIET TIME 

If shoe shopping is overwhelming for little ones, customers can visit Clarks stores at  a time when there are fewer crowds, less noise and gentler lights. Pre-book an  appointment or just walk-in, the option is yours… 

MEASURED AT HOME 

With a Clarks foot gauge, which can easily be ordered from www.clarks.com, it’s  simple to get their shoe size spot on from the comfort of home.

Save the Date: Amazon Prime Day returns for 10th year on 16 & 17th July

The two-day event includes great savings from popular brands such as Elemis, ghd, Ninja, and Samsung, and Amazon’s lowest prices of the year so far on select products from Barbie, L’Oréal, Shark, and more

Prime members can enjoy fast, free delivery and access to exclusive deals across all categories, with new deals dropping throughout the event 

Visit www.amazon.co.uk/primeday to shop early deals and make the most of Prime Day savings now 

Amazon has announced that customers can expect big savings this summer, as the countdown to the 10th Prime Day begins. From 00:00 on 16th July until 23:59 on 17th July, Prime members will get exclusive access to hundreds of thousands of deals on a wide selection of popular brands across all categories including electronics, homeware, fashion and beauty. 

The shopping event will offer Prime members deals from top brands like Bose, Fitbit, Oral-B and Sony, as well as great savings from small businesses across the UK. New deals will drop throughout the event, with fast, free delivery available to all Prime members.

“The countdown to the 10th Prime Day in the UK starts now, and we have a huge selection of deals to come,” said John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager of Amazon. 

“We work really hard to deliver great products at the best prices for customers during Prime Day and throughout the year, from the biggest brands to the 100,000 small British businesses that sell on Amazon. With even faster deliveries and so many shopping, saving and entertainment benefits available, there has never been a better time to be a Prime member. Roll on Prime Day!”

Early Deals, Shop Now

Prime members don’t have to wait until Prime Day to save as early access to deals and exclusive savings starts now. Last year Prime members worldwide saved over $2.5 billion during Prime Day, and this year customers can browse personalised recommendations including “Deals you might like”, “Deals for you”, and “Deals related to items you saved,” and discover even more selection with curated collections such as Everyday Essentials, Top Brands, and Trending Deals.

Early discounts include:

  • Amazon Devices: Upgrade your home security systems with up to 50% off select Ring cameras and doorbells, including Indoor Camera (2nd Gen), Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) and Stick Up Cam starting on July 10th. Plus save 55% on the popular Ring Intercom and up to 65% off Blink cameras including Blink Outdoor 3-Cam and Blink Mini 2-Cameras. Get more deals on 12 July and save up to 45% on Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED series smart TV’s.
  • Amazon Music: Prime members who haven’t tried Amazon Music Unlimited can get five months free—the best deal ever from Amazon Music for Prime Day—in celebration of Amazon Music’s 10-year anniversary. Amazon Music Unlimited includes access to more than 100 million songs and top podcasts ad-free, on-demand, and in high-quality streaming audio.
  • Audible – New Audible customers can get 3 months membership free and enjoy unlimited listening to thousands of select Audible Originals, podcasts, and audiobooks. Offer available from 24 June to 31July 23:59. Terms Apply.
  • Gaming: To celebrate the lead-up to Prime Day from 24 June until 16 July, Prime members can claim an assortment of 15 popular and classic PC games at no additional cost, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, STAR WARS™ Knights of the Old Republic™ II: The Sith Lords, Hitman Absolution and more. 

Get Ready for Prime Day

Customers can join Prime or start a free trial at amazon.co.uk/primeday to take part in Prime Day, and enjoy member benefits throughout the year. Some of the ways that members can prepare and make the most out of Prime Day include:

  • Get deal notifications from Alexa: Prime members never have to worry about missing a deal thanks to Alexa. Prime members can ask Alexa for deal notifications on products added to their Wish List, Cart, or Save for Later. To get started, just ask, “Alexa, add [product name] to my cart,” and then ask Alexa to notify you about the deal when it’s live.
  • Set up deal notifications that are tailored to you: Keep your eyes on hot trending items with deal notifications. Prime members can set up personalized deal notifications to be alerted when their recent searches and product views have deals. To start receiving these alerts in time for Prime Day, visit the Prime Day event page on the Amazon Shopping app to create the deal alerts. 
  • Enjoy convenient delivery options: Make life easier with fast delivery on millions of items included with a Prime membership and choose the delivery option that best suits your need during Prime Day. Prime members in the UK receive unlimited fast, free One-Day Delivery on millions of items across all categories, with Same-Day Delivery available on over a million items in Greater London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, and more (minimum order values apply). You can also select free delivery to Amazon Lockers or Counters, or choose a delivery day preference with Amazon Day.

Discover Prime Day Deals Worldwide

Prime Day will kick off on 16th July in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the U.S., and the UK. Prime members in India can shop on Prime Day later this summer.

Adidas to open first UK pulse store at Fort Kinnaird this Friday

Popular sports brand, adidas, is set to open its doors at Fort Kinnaird this Friday (28th June).

The new 11,000 sq ft store, located near to TK Maxx, Hotel Chocolate and Pandora, is the brand’s first ‘The Pulse’ store in the UK, giving visitors the chance to shop a broad range of adidas’ most popular products.

This includes everything from trainers and gym wear to running gear and accessories. The new Pulse store reflects commercial demand and consumer need. From uplifting design treatments to digital content, Pulse sets a new benchmark across the adidas retail store landscape without compromising on the well sought after product our consumers love.

The grand opening of our new store promises to be a memorable experience, with a lively atmosphere featuring a DJ to entertain shoppers. Consumers can enjoy branded snacks and receive branded bags upon purchase while having the chance to win exciting prizes and gift vouchers.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “It’s incredibly exciting that adidas has chosen Fort Kinnaird as the first location in the UK to open its new Pulse store.

“It’s no secret how popular the brand is and we have no doubt the store will prove to be successful with our shoppers – whether they’re looking for a pair of new trainers or getting some of the latest gym wear.

“It’s a really exciting time for us, with Mango also opening recently, our different options for fashion are really growing.”

adidas will join Next, Pandora, H&M and JD Sports already based at the centre. To plan your day out and find the full list of stores and restaurants at Fort Kinnaird, please visit www.fortkinnaird.com