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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.
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 Guthrieis 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:
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.
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 Cameronadded; “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.”
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.
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.”
Aldi Scotland’s much-loved Supermarket Sweep challenge has been all over Scotland this year, and after being chosen to take part in the gameshow inspired activity, a lucky local winner has raised £809.18 for a foodbank of their choosing, while picking up £404.59 in Aldi favourites for herself.
The lucky sweeper, Laura Robertson, was selected from thousands of applicants as part of a competition at this year’s Royal Highland Show. She selected Aldi’s Chesser store to take part in the five-minute trolley dash on Tuesday 13 August.
As well as taking home a trolley full of goodies, Laurasuccessfully found the hidden inflatable in store, meaning Aldi Scotland doubled the total value of her haul and donated the lump sum to her nominated charity, The Salvation Army.
Aldi Supermarket Sweep winner, Laura Robertson said:“The Supermarket Sweep was a brilliant experience. I had so much fun running around the store with my husband and Aldi staff cheering me on.
“It’s a lot harder than I thought it would be, and the time goes by so quickly, but it’s an experience I’ll remember forever. I’m so glad I was able to raise so much money for my local foodbank, as it will help so many people in need.”
Elizabeth Young, Community Programme Coordinator, The Salvation Army, said:“I would like to say a massive thank you to Aldi for the substantial donation to our foodbank.
“Life is very tough for lots of the people visiting our foodbank, and this donation will go a long way to help us provide food parcels and spread a little love and kindness through this generosity.”
Graham Nicolson, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “We know that the Aldi Supermarket Sweep is a firm favourite with shoppers across the country, so we were delighted to bring it back for another year.
“Congratulations to Laura who managed to raise an incredible £809.18 for The Salvation Army and snap up a whole load of Aldi treats for herself.”
Scottish Power / Excalon move back to Craigleith on Monday (19 August) with Groathill Avenue closed between Telford Road and Sainsbury’s garage for around 5 weeks.
Groathill Road South will also be closed at Telford Road with local access retained via South Groathill Avenue.
Two thirds (66%) of Scottish shoppers prefer to buy products that have a more positive environmental impact, but are unsure how to identify them
According to an Amazon-commissioned survey, Scottish shoppers find building flat-pack furniture (53%), completing a giant crossword puzzle (34%), and learning to use a new software package for their computer (32%), easier than figuring out which everyday products have a lower environmental impact when shopping online.
More than half (62%) of Scottish shoppers want retailers to help them easily identify products which have a more positive environmental and social impact. This ranges from everyday items like socks and sugar, to personal care products like soap and sunscreen.
Amazon makes it easier for UK customers to discover and shop for products with sustainability features through Climate Pledge Friendly badging, which lists products’ sustainability impact areas such as recycled materials, energy efficiency, organic content and packaging efficiency.
Climate Pledge Friendly partners with vetted and reputable third-party certifications to recognise products with improvements in at least one aspect of sustainability, enabling shoppers to discover more than 1.4 million badged products globally. More than 60 million Amazon customers globally have switched to a Climate Pledge Friendly product from their usual brand purchases.
According to a recent Amazon-commissioned study of 2,000 British shoppers, two in three (66%) Scottish shoppers prefer to buy products that have a more positive environmental and social impact, but are confused by sustainability statements on product labels.
In fact, Scottish shoppers surveyed find building flat-pack furniture (53%), completing a giant crossword puzzle (34%), and learning to use a new software package for their computer (32%), easier than figuring out which everyday products have a lower environmental impact when shopping online.
As a result, only 6% of Scottish shoppers say they always understand a product’s environmental impact when they shop. More than half (62%) want retailers to help them easily identify products which have a more positive environmental and social impact. This ranges from everyday items like socks and sugar, to personal care products like soap and sunscreen.
Amazon makes it easier for customers to discover and shop for products with improvements in at least one aspect of sustainability.
Its Climate Pledge Friendly badge helps shoppers to discover and filter products based on clear sustainability features – from products containing recycled materials and designed with less packaging, to items made from organic content and safer chemicals. These features are based on vetted and reputable third-party certifications, such as Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade International and Forest Stewardship Council.
Certifications matter to Scottish shoppers, with 80% of respondents saying they are more likely to trust a product’s sustainability claims if it is supported by an official certification from a reputable organisation. 38% also claim to have abandoned a purchase when they did not trust or understand its sustainability claims.
One in three (33%) claim they are more likely to try a new brand or product if their social, ethical and environmental credentials are clear on the product itself, or at the point of sale online, giving them reassurance these brands align with their principles.
“Products with certified sustainability features are a top choice for UK shoppers, and it’s important that customers can easily understand exactly what those features are. At Amazon, we’re taking the guesswork out of the shopping experience, helping customers to shop for items that match their values,” said John Boumphrey, Amazon UK Country Manager.
Among the most sought-after sustainability features that Scottish shoppers look for are recyclable packaging (43%), kindness to animals (38%), reduced packaging (37%), made with responsible farming and forestry methods (33%) and made with consideration to protecting the rights/health of workers (32%), while 28% seek items made with recycled materials.
The top five product categories that respondents expect to find more sustainable options for include food and beverage items (50%), cleaning products (49%), apparel (37%), cosmetics and beauty (36%), and electronics/appliances (24%).
Nearly 37.6 million Amazon customers have switched to Climate Pledge Friendly badged products in 2023, leading to over 1.16 billion items sold, a 42% increase from 2022 – sending a strong signal to Amazon’s selling partners that customers want to shop for products with sustainability features.
As of today, Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly product selection has grown to more than 1.4 million items globally – a 157% increase from 2022.
“Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly certifications help us to communicate our brand commitment to more-sustainable processes and products,” said Tom Lloyd, Co-Founder and Commercial Director at Bloomsbury Mill, an award-winning children’s and baby brand in the UK, with several popular Climate Pledge Friendly products on the Amazon UK store.
“The qualification process is reassuringly thorough which means when customers see the Climate Pledge Friendly badge, they can be confident they are purchasing a product that goes some way to help preserve the natural world we live in,”
Amazon’s UK Climate Pledge Friendly programme features more than 50 independent sustainability certifications.
Each Climate Pledge Friendly-badged product comes with clear and detailed descriptions of their sustainability features and underlying certifications, helping consumers make more informed choices when shopping online.
LIDL LAUNCHES 1,000 ‘MYSTERY BOXES’ EACH WORTH OVER £100
The supermarket is launching its first ever series of ‘Mystery Boxes’, packed full of characteristically random Middle of Lidl items for just £20
Fans will be able to get their hands on a wide selection of cult items, collectively worth over £100, from ukuleles to sandwich toasters and swimming goggles
Of the 1,000 limited edition boxes up for grabs, 50 lucky shoppers will also receive a high-value bonus item worth up to £199; anything from a swimming pool, to a dehumidifier, lawnmower or even a paddle board!
The Lidl Mystery Box will be available to purchase for £20 from 10am Thursday 15th August via www.lidlmysterybox.co.uk – but be quick!
The secret is out – Lidl is launching its first ever series of ‘Mystery Boxes’, each stuffed full of weird and wonderful ‘Middle of Lidl’ items, from coffee machines, ukuleles, goggles, crochet kits, massage guns and more!
Worth over £100 each, the launch will see just 1,000 limited edition boxes up for grabs, priced at just £20 each. The question is, what will be inside the box?
For 50 lucky dippers, a shiny Bonus Item Coupon will be hidden inside, unlocking a bigger bonus item worth up to a whopping £199. Coupon holders could receive anything from a Grillmeister 2-Burner Gas Barbeque to a Tower Air Fryer 5 in 1 Smokeless Grill, a Livarno Garden Furniture Set or even an Inflatable All-Round Stand-Up Paddle Board – so run don’t walk!
With Mystery Boxes bursting on to the scene with brands such as Candy Kittens* and Nike** jumping on the trend, the launch of the Lidl Mystery Box is a celebration of the beloved cult classic ‘Middle of Lidl’ which regularly grips the nation’s attention with its unpredictable product offering.
They have recently gained significant traction online, with #MysteryBoxes trending on social media with a whopping 175.9M posts***. Shoppers are clearly looking to add some additional Middle Aisle pizzazz to their shopping sprees, and Lidl’s latest drop provides just that.
In true ‘Middle of Lidl’ fashion, each box presents different surprises; fans could receive a Silvercrest Slushie Maker in one, whilst in another, shoppers could channel their inner Arnold Schwarzenegger and get DIY savvy with Parkside Spanners, or even learn a few chords with a Clifton Ukulele. Each box is a mystery just waiting to be solved…
Hopeful mystery-solvers can head to www.lidlmysterybox.co.ukto purchase one of the 1,000 Lidl Mystery Boxes from 10am Thursday 15th August for just £20 – available while stocks last.
All proceeds of the Mystery Boxes will be donated to the NSPCC.
