Tag: shopping

Two new stores set to open at The Centre, Livingston

The Centre, Livingston, which is one of the largest shopping centres in the country has unveiled plans to open a new jewellery store, F.Hinds and a 380-seater Marble Buffet restaurant, which will be their first site in a Scottish mall, creating a total of 41 new jobs for the local area.

F.Hinds is a sixth generation, family-run jewellers which opened its first store in London in 1856 and now has 118 stores across the UK, the store will offer a wide range of products for every age, taste and occasion, as well as popular services including jewellery and watch repairs.

The 1,395 sq. ft. store, which will be located next to Ryman, is due to open in August, bringing six new jobs to the shopping centre.

The 15,770 sq. ft. contemporary designed Marble Buffet restaurant, which will create 35 new jobs, will be located above Nando’s on Almondvale Boulevard, and is expected to open in May 2026.

It will feature live cooking stations with skilled chefs creating a wide selection of dishes from around the world including Asian, Indian and European.

The announcement follows the arrival of various new retailers to the shopping centre over the past 18 months, including the first Cinnabon in Scotland, Las Iguanas, wellbeing store Rituals, Danish lifestyle and homeware brand Sostrene Grene, Pop Specs, The Designer Rooms and a 90-seater Starbucks in February.

The new restaurant will complement the existing diverse mix of over 150 stores and eateries at The Centre, Livingston, which includes Flannels, H&M, River Island, M&S, Hotel Chocolat, wagamama and Five Guys, spanning over 1 million sq. ft., with over 3,000 parking spaces.

In addition to welcoming new retailers, the owners, LCP, part of M Core, one of Europe’s leading, privately owned commercial property development and management companies, also recently announced plans to expand into the leisure sector.

The UK’s leading family entertainment provider, Hollywood Bowl, is set to open a 26,000 sq. ft. venue next year featuring 22 cutting-edge bowling lanes, an arcade and a bar and diner, giving shoppers the opportunity to ‘shop, eat and play’ when they visit.

Rakesh Joshi, Director at LCP, part of M Core, said: “We are delighted to welcome another fantastic restaurant, Marble Buffet, to our wide mix of existing places to dine out at The Centre, Livingston and also another leading high-street jewellery brand, F.Hinds.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that all of our new openings continue to keep the shopping centre firmly on the Scottish map as the number one destination to visit and enjoy a great day out with family and friends.”

Simon Eatough, Director at LCP, part of M Core and Asset Manager of The Centre Livingston, said: “We are really looking forward to the opening of the jewellery store, F.Hinds and Marble Buffet’s first site in a shopping centre early next year and delighted they will be creating 41 new jobs in West Lothian.

“The new restaurant will give our visitors even more choice when it comes to enjoying quality time dining out.

“We will continue to strengthen the existing diverse range of eateries and shops at The Centre, Livingston, with even more exciting announcements coming soon.”

Jeremy Hinds, Retail Director at F.Hinds, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening a new F.Hinds store at The Centre, Livingston, a prime destination that aligns with our growth plans in Scotland.

“This new location gives us the opportunity to bring our extensive range of quality jewellery and exceptional customer service to even more people. We look forward to becoming part of the local community and supporting jobs in the area as we continue to expand our national presence.”

A spokesperson for Marble Buffet spokesperson, said: “This is a really exciting time for us at Marble Buffet as we countdown to the launch of our first restaurant in a shopping centre.

“The Centre, Livingston is the perfect location for us and we are really looking forward to welcoming customers locally, and from afar, who want to savour the taste of lots of different international cuisines, all under one roof, where there’s something to suit all tastes.”

Additional new openings at The Centre, Livingston over the past 18 months, include BeLeaf Juice Bar, Beauty’s Inn, Buzart, Afro Crest, Loris Parfum, The Watch Lab, Barclays Bank and Elite Smile Dental Clinic.

Aldi Scotland’s Famous Supermarket Sweep is coming to Leith

Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep challenge is back again for another year, giving customers in Edinburgh the chance to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).    

The supermarket challenge, inspired by the legendary game show, is sure to add excitement to the weekly shopping trip. As well as fundraising, Edinburgh locals have the chance to take home their favourite items from Aldi’s store in Leith.   

Launched in 2016, the supermarket challenge offers shoppers the chance to take part in a five-minute trolley dash, allowing them to gather as many Aldi favourites as they can within the timeframe. 

Once the time is up, the lucky shopper gets to take home the trolley full of goodies, while Aldi matches the cash value of the goods as a donation.    

Each year across Scotland CHAS supports over 500 babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families. In 2025 every penny raised through Aldi’s Supermarket Sweep will go directly to CHAS, with £10,000 pledged in support.  

Edinburgh residents can apply for the Supermarket Sweep from Monday 2 June to Sunday 8 June.     

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Our annual Supermarket Sweeps hold a special place in the Aldi calendar, donating over £50,000 to local charities since 2016.

“We’re very much looking forward to its return for another year and giving one lucky Edinburgh resident the chance to enjoy a truly unique supermarket experience.  

“CHAS is a charity very close to our hearts, which provides a truly invaluable lifeline for families across Scotland, offering specialist care and unwavering support during the most difficult moments imaginable.

“This year, Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep will be travelling all over Scotland, giving Aldi customers nationally a brilliant opportunity to raise funds for CHAS while shining a light on the incredible work the charity does.”   

Entry is free and customers can apply in-store or by emailing supermarketsweep@aldi.co.uk

Entrants must be available to take part in the sweep after stores close at 10pm on their chosen date.  

Entrants must be over 18 years old to take part, and alcohol products are not included in the sweep.   

For more information about CHAS and how to support its work, visit https://www.chas.org.uk/     

Win When You’re Singing: Amazon gives shoppers a chance to sing for their shopping

  • Hit singer Pixie Lott launches voice-activated lockers across the UK as Amazon kicks off its Spring Deal Days
  • Amazon Spring Deal Days offers hundreds of thousands of deals across a range of categories and will run for seven days

Shoppers around the country are being given a chance to sing to win big prizes from this year’s Amazon Spring Deal Days. A series of voice-activated lockers are popping up around the country, featuring popular products from brands including Shark, Oral-B, Ninja, Philips, and more.

The lockers were launched on Tuesday morning by hit singer Pixie Lott, with the first products won by singing shoppers including Bose headphones, an Oral-B electric toothbrush, a BRITA filter, LEGO, a Coco & Eve hair set, and much more. The voice-activated lockers can be found in London, Manchester and Birmingham this week.

The activity marks the start of Amazon Spring Deal Days, which features hundreds of thousands of incredible deals across a range of popular categories, including home, electronics, kitchen, home improvement, fashion, and more. The event offers savings of up to 45% and will run for seven days, from 25-31 March.

“We are always looking for ways to give customers even more value and opportunities to save throughout the year,” said John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager of Amazon. 

“Amazon Spring Deal Days will offer hundreds of thousands of deals across some of our most popular items, including products from big brands and small businesses across the UK.”

Customers shopping the sale will find hundreds of thousands of deals across must-have items from a wide range of categories, such as:

  • Amazon Devices: Take advantage of offers on a selection of Amazon Devices, including Echo, Kindle, Ring, Blink, Fire TV, and eero.
  • Amazon Essentials: Enjoy up to 30% discount on the Sofia Grainge X Amazon Essentials collection.  
  • Amazon Fresh Online: From now until 2nd April, customers can shop a selection of deals across brands like BrewDog Punk IPA, Lindt, Vanish, and more with discounts of up to 30% off.
  • Amazon Resale: Amazon customers can get 30% off a selection of quality used, returned or open-box products from Amazon Resale. The discount will be deducted automatically at checkout after selecting the delivery address. T&C’s apply.
  • Audible: From now through April 30, new members can enjoy 3 months of Audible Premium Plus for £0.99 per month (auto-renews at £7.99/mo after the first 3 months) on Amazon and Audible.
  • Automotive: Save up 15% on Bosch, Castrol, and Noco.
  • Baby: Save up to 30% on feeding products from Tommee Tippee and up to 20% from Philips. Save up to 20% on a selection of car seats from Maxi-Cosi and up to 40% on baby toys from Fisher-Price.
  • Beer, Wine and Spirits: Save up to 30% on premium alcohols including Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Ciroc Vodka, and Plymouth Gin.
  • Beauty: Save up to 40% on CeraVe, Aveeno, TIGI, and more.
  • Everyday Essentials: Offering millions in savings on thousands of everyday essentials including products from top brands such as Optimum Nutrition, NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto, and CeraVe.
  • Grocery: Save up to 30% on food and drinks from Illy, Nestlé, Mars, Coca Cola, and more.
  • Home: Save up to 25% on a selection of home products from BRITA, Tefal, Philips Hue, and more.
  • Major Appliances: Save up to 35% on large home appliances from Samsung, Haier, and more.
  • Personal Care Appliances Save up to 55% on electric toothbrushes from brands including Oral-B and Philips and up to 50% on shaving and hair removal from Philips, Braun, and more. Save up to 35% on haircare appliances from ghd, Remington, and more.
  • Private Brands: Save up to 30% discount on Amazon Private Brands including Amazon Basics, Amazon essentials, and byAmazon.
  • Toys: Save up to 15% on toys from LEGO, Mattel, Hasbro, and more.

Pixie Lott has also revealed her Top Ten deals from Amazon’s Spring Deal Days, for those looking to make savings this Spring:

  1. Bose Headphones
    Instax Camera
    Oral-B Electric Toothbrush
    MAX FACTOR Lash Effect Mascara
    Revlon Hair Dryer and Volumiser
    KODAK Portable Photo Printer
    Ninja Air Fryer
    Ninja 2-in1 Power Blender
    Fleetwood Mac ‘Rumours’ Vinyl
    Amazon Essentials x Sofia Grainge Children’s Sweater 

Great Value Across Every Category

Fast and free delivery with Amazon Prime

All Amazon customers can shop for deals throughout Amazon Spring Deal Days, and Prime members will enjoy all the usual membership benefits, including fast, free delivery on millions of items and the option to choose the delivery option that best suits their needs.

Prime members in the UK receive unlimited One-Day Delivery on millions of items across all categories, with Same-Day Delivery available on over a million items. Prime members can also select free delivery to Amazon Lockers or Counters or choose a delivery day preference with Amazon Day.

Take-5 Tuesday at PCHP

Take-5 Tuesdays is on tomorrow at PCHP at 10am. Drop in to learn more about eating a healthy, balanced and sustainable diet on a budget.

We share lots of tips on shopping, peparing, storing, cooking – all with a view to saving money and wasting nothing. This week we’ll be making the finest tomato sauce, the most versatile sauce their is. We’ll talk about the base of all good sauces #Sofritto

Will it become a chilli, or a ragu, or a soup? Who knows… come along and find out! Everyone is welcome and if Tuesday doesn’t suit you, we’re on at the same time on Thursday. We cook, and you are welcome to either stay and eat together, or take it away to enjoy at home!

#ClimateCooking

#OnePotMeals

#CookOnceEatTwice

#Nutritious

#Delicious

#TakeAwayFakeAway

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.”

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.

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.”