Tag: shopping

Edinburgh ignites the official countdown to the St James Quarter opening

Edinburgh’s skyline was filled with an array of dazzling light last night as an incredible illumination marked one week to go until St James Quarter officially opens its doors.

You can view the highlights of the lightshow here. 

The countdown is on for St James Quarter’s’ much-anticipated phase one opening, and the new fashion district was officially welcomed to the city by some of the capital’s most famous landmarks. From the Balmoral and Edinburgh Castle to Forth Ports and the EICC, all roads led to St James Quarter as the whole of the night sky was illuminated- a symbol of this new city centre integration.

With its prime location in the heart of Edinburgh, St James Quarter is set to become a welcoming, cultural and lifestyle hub for art, culture, and fashion.

Through long-term partnerships with Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh Jazz & Blues and the Edinburgh Science Festivals – to name a few – the upcoming opening is set to complement the city’s world-renowned cultural offering and support its vibrant events calendar. 

Inspired by the spirit of Arthur’s Seat and the meeting of tectonic plates, the light show represents the awakening of St James Quarter, after five years of development. Together with festival, tourism and cultural venues across the city, the display is a celebration of connectivity, bringing together landmarks throughout Edinburgh city centre, all leading to St James Square.

Over 500 light fixtures were placed around the ribbon building with accompanying projections and a soundtrack featuring local sound designer, Keith Fortune.

Mick Hay from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo took centre stage, 55m meters from the ground, conducting the soundtrack with the unmistakable sounds of the drums, as lasers of light travelled across the city in all directions.

Rochelle Weir, Brand and Marketing Director at St James Quarter, said: “As we near the opening of phase one, the anticipation around the city is palpable.

“We wanted to bring this feeling to life, connecting with other landmarks, businesses, and partners across the city to mark our opening and cement our place on the iconic Edinburgh skyline.

“Our phase one opening is a significant moment in Edinburgh’s history, and we’re incredibly excited for the people of Edinburgh and beyond to see what lies behind the quarter. Last night’s display was just the beginning.”

St James Quarter adds flurry of fashion, jewellery and cosmetics brands to line-up

  • The Kooples, Aeronautica Militare and Nordic Outdoor are the latest international fashion brands to sign to St James Quarter
  • Scottish watch designer Kartel will open its second city centre shop 

St James Quarter, the 1.7 million sq ft city centre development in Edinburgh, has added The Kooples, Aeronautica Militare and Nordic Outdoor to its fashion line-up as it prepares to welcome visitors to the opening of its first phase. In addition, Kartel will extend St James Quarter’s jewellery offer.

The Kooples, Aeronautica Militare and Nordic Outdoor, which have taken 1400 sq ft, 1350 sq. ft and 900 sq ft respectively, will be situated on level 3 of St James Quarter, alongside Kate Spade, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Kurt Geiger, Carvella and Russell & Bromley. Scottish designer Kartel has taken 760 sq. ft on level 3.

Founded in 2008, famous French premium brand, The Kooples, will be offering their rock-chic and contemporary apparel, while Aeronautica Militare will bring its comprehensive Italian wardrobe for men, women and children to cater for formal and more casual styles under the emblems and logos of the Italian Air Force and Frecce Tricolori.

Scandinavian and British outlet, Nordic Outdoor, will be hosting some of the best in modern Scandinavian outdoor clothing & equipment labels with a focus on style, function and sustainability.

Local Scottish watch designer Kartel will be providing St James Quarter’s customers with durable, high-performing timepieces combining handcrafted materials with contemporary high-precision timekeeping.

Chris Pyne, head of leasing for St James Quarter, commented: “These latest retailer signings are another major boost to the mix of international shops alongside popular local brands that we have brought together.

“We look forward to welcoming them all as we prepare to open the first phase this month.”

Caspar Odqvist, Owner of Nordic Outdoor said: “Being an Edinburgh based business, we are delighted to be a part of the next chapter in the city’s journey to become a world class retail destination.

“Our new store has been designed with the modern ‘outdoors’ consumer in mind who value style, functionality and sustainability equally. As an independent we can’t wait to bring our own blend of Scandinavian Outdoors to the most exciting urban development in Edinburgh and encourage everyone to live a little more outdoors every day.”

Bobby Morrison, owner of Kartel, said: “As a Scottish brand Kartel is proud to be part of the St James Quarter opening in Edinburgh. Experiential retail is at the heart of our offering, bringing a new level of customer interaction within our store.

“The quality of retailers in the new development will make the St James Quarter a landmark destination and we look forward to welcoming our existing and new customers alike.”

A game-changing mixed-use development being delivered by Nuveen Real Estate, St James Quarter will complete the distinctive offer of Edinburgh with over 80 new brands, an enticing mix of restaurants and bars, a W Edinburgh hotel, a boutique Everyman Cinema, a Roomzzz Aparthotel, 152 New Eidyn residential apartments, and an unrivalled guest experience providing customers with an enviable events programme in a range of new and attractive public spaces.

Radical plans to transform Gyle Shopping Centre unveiled

Development managers Bankfoot APAM have announced a consultation on plans to transform The Gyle shopping centre into a new ‘town centre’. The proposals are a radical departure from previous plans to extend the centre.

The Gyle was originally opened in 1993 after an investment of £68million. It quickly became one of the most successful shopping destinations in the east of Scotland and was extended soon after.

Previous owners had brought forward plans for small extensions for new retail units and a cinema, but these were rejected last year by the City Council.

Options now include a fully refreshed and enhanced retail offer, major new housing and office space on a site that has some of the best public transport links in Scotland and in an area (west Edinburgh) where up to 18,000 new homes are already planned.

The concept is to create a new town centre where people will live, work, shop and enjoy their leisure time in one of the most sustainable communities in Scotland.

The initial ideas reflect the fact that whilst The Gyle was once at the fringe of Edinburgh, it is now at the heart of one of Scotland’s fastest growing residential and commercial districts.

The options being consulted on include:

  • A new community in which people can live, work, shop, rest and play within easy reach of the city centre and countryside
  • A renewed and revitalised retail offer with enhanced facilities for click and collect, home delivery and other services
  • New homes for families and professionals that bring people to live more closely to their jobs to encourage more public transport use, cycling, and walking
  • A new east/west ‘green link’ that provides better and safer walking and cycling facilities and new public green space
  • Improved access to the existing Tram, Bus and Rail services that run through and around The Gyle

Chris Moore, Managing Director at Bankfoot APAM, said: “When the Gyle was built it was a leading modern shopping destination. However, we are now looking at a new normal that is very different for shopping and living.

“The creation of a new urban city district will help transform the visitor experience and bring many more new residents, workers and customers to the shops and facilities.

“Increasingly people will travel by public transport and the facilities need to reflect that new normal. We have seen the changes that the new St James development in the city centre is making to people’s shopping experience and our aim is to deliver better and higher quality shopping, rather than just increasing floorspace. We have also studied the quality of the proposals for new homes and offices at the nearby Edinburgh Park.

“Edinburgh is changing, and west Edinburgh is changing faster than almost anywhere in Scotland and our plans must reflect sustainability issues and respond positively to those changes. Looking ahead we should consider how best to serve our customers and meet their growing concerns about the environment. A more balanced community is what is proving to work best.

“We will be consulting local residents and communities on our new vision in the near future, and we look forward to starting the regeneration and revitalisation of The Gyle in a way that makes it an even more special place for many more people. The Gyle can again be one of the finest shopping destinations in the country, but our ambition is to make it one of the finest places to live, work and play as well.”

The concept is to create a new town centre where people will live, work, shop and enjoy leisure time, all in one of the most sustainable communities in Scotland.

The plans also include a new east and west ‘green link’ for safer walking and cycling facilities, along with more public green space, as well as improved access to the tram, bus and rail services that run through and around The Gyle.

New St James Quarter video gives viewers a look inside some stores opening ‘Behind the Quarter’

St James Quarter has released episode two of its ‘Behind the Quarter’ series, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the highly anticipated shopping district. This episode showcases never-before-seen footage of a selection of the brands due to open as part of phase one.  

Gill Moore, Retail, F&B and Hospitality Director at St James Quarter sits down with the General Manager of Bonnie & Wild, Kate Russell, Founder of Bross Bagels, Larah Bross and Head of Branch at John Lewis Edinburgh, Barry Blamire to find out more about what guests can expect from the new residents of The Quarter and why they are excited to be part of one of the UK’s biggest city centre transformations.

The phase one opening line-up is one of the most significant any city in Scotland has ever seen with several brands making their Scottish debuts, including; Scottish food market Bonnie & Wild, & Other Stories, PULL&BEAR, Bershka and Stradivarius.

The full video can be streamed here.

‘Monumental’: Edinburgh’s new skyline revealed as final crane comes down at St James Quarter

Following five years of construction, 17,378 tonnes of steel, and an estimated 2.835m working hours completed – the final crane at St James Quarter has officially been removed, revealing Edinburgh’s skyline to the public.

Since construction began, 13 cranes have shaped the city skyline and played a key role in the construction of the £1bn project. The removal of the final crane marks another celebratory milestone for St James Quarter, which is working towards opening at the end of June.

Reaching peaks of over 88m, the St James Quarter cranes grows almost as tall as the Capital’s iconic Calton Hill and, over the years, became a much-loved fixture of the Edinburgh skyline. The cranes became a local talking point within the city and lit up the sky at night – a permanent lightshow visible from far and wide.

As the final crane is lowered, it signifies another step forward for the long-anticipated opening of one of the most significant UK city centre transformations undertaken in the last decade.

The phase one opening will bring together brands from global to local, combining convenience and luxury with an offering that includes; Zara, Mango, Pull & Bear, Rituals, H&M, Kurt Geiger, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, as well as Dune, Bonnie & Wild, Bross Bagels and Salerno Pizza, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Still to come in the latter phases of the development over the next 18 months will be an enticing mix of more shops, restaurants and bars, a W Edinburgh, a boutique Everyman Cinema, a Roomzzz Aparthotel, New Eidyn residences that will provide 152 premium apartments with exceptional amenities, by developers Native Land, and an unrivalled guest experience providing customers with an enviable events programme in a range of new and attractive public spaces.

Martin Perry, Director of Development at St James Quarter, said: “The removal of our final crane is another monumental moment not only for the team at St James Quarter, but for the City of Edinburgh.

“Our cranes have become a significant addition to Edinburgh’s iconic viewpoints for many years and although many will be sad to see them go, it does mean we’re one step closer to opening our doors next month.

“Our phase one opening is a significant moment in Edinburgh’s history, and we can’t wait to share what lies behind the quarter with the people of Edinburgh and beyond.”

M&S stores across Edinburgh share plans for retail reopening

·         M&S stores across Edinburgh, including M&S Gyle and M&S Princes Street, get ready to welcome more shoppers back in store as customers look ahead to brighter days

·         New services launched to help customers Shop Their Way – from contact free bra fit to easier payment options

·         Sparks to boost rewards for customers for two weeks from 26th April – one customer every day in every store will win their shopping for free 

With retail reopening across Scotland this week, M&S is sharing how stores across Edinburgh, including M&S Gyle and M&S Princes Street, are set up to offer customers the inspiration and flexibility to Shop Your Way.

M&S has been continually adapting its store experience, offering products and services that local customers want after a year of significant change.

M&S stores across Edinburgh are offering a range of exciting new products and services to make shopping with M&S easier, convenient and more rewarding – from digital payment options to rewards and treats for shopping through our Sparks loyalty programme. All of this supported by standout M&S customer service in a safe and clean store.

M&S Scotland Central and East Regional Manager, Scott Munro, said: “We’re excited to welcome more customers back into our stores and look forward to continuing to serve our local community.

“Whether you’re looking for our latest Dine-In family feast or those must-have wardrobe staples to see you into summer, we have everything to help you Shop Your Way.

“With exciting new services like our contact-free bra fitting and the Scan & Shop service on our Sparks mobile app, we’re supporting customers however they choose to shop. Whether that’s browsing in store or using our click & collect service, our local team is ready to help.”

Shop Your Way: Easy and Rewarding Ways to Pay 

Following the relaunch of the M&S Sparks loyalty scheme in July last year, M&S stores across Edinburgh are marking the return of retail by offering one Sparks customer every single day for two weeks from 26th April, in every store, their whole basket or trolley of shopping for free.

As well as offering regular rewards and treats for shopping through Sparks with M&S, the mobile App also allows customers to shop in store with their phones with the Scan & Shop with Sparks service offering a quick way to pay without using the till. This follows the recent extension of Sparks Book & Shop to help customer plan ahead and book a slot to shop at a time that suits them.

Shop Your Way: Great new services and stand out service  

Outstanding customer service remains and will always be a defining feature of the M&S experience and is a key reason why customers choose to shop with M&S – from the welcoming host on the door and the brilliant operations teams behind the scenes, to the valuable in-store services offered in-store.

Bra Fit

Bra fit is back at M&S including at M&S Princes Street, the Gyle and Fort Kinnaird, allowing customers to choose between a contact-free bra fit from M&S’s expert colleague by appointment or the new option of accessing M&S’s expert service from home via a virtual appointment. M&S virtual bra fit appointments are available for any customers across Scotland.

M&S Gyle is also improving its Bra Fit service by offering customers on-the-spot payment service Pay With Me – so customers can purchase lingerie straight after their appointment from M&S’s expert Bra Fit colleagues without visiting a till.

Click and Collect

More and more customers are looking to take advantage of the flexibility and convenience of shopping with M&S across both its website and their local store. M&S is making this easier by blending these services and offering local customers free next day collection when ordered by 8pm.

M&S Cafés

M&S Cafés, including at M&S Gyle, Fort Kinnaird and Ocean Terminal, are now open as of 26th April.

All customer toilets will also be back open, with strict cleaning protocols in place to ensure the highest levels of hygiene. 

Usdaw urges customers to follow the rules and respect shopworkers as Scotland’s shops reopen

Retail trade union Usdaw is calling on customers to follow the rules and respect shopworkers, as non-essential stores in Scotland reopen.

Stewart Forrest – Usdaw Divisional Officer for Scotland says: “The reopening of non-essential shops offers a lifeline for many retailers. That is good news for helping to safeguard jobs, but the virus is still out there.

“We expect employers to ensure that robust safety measures are in place and that customers are fully aware of the restrictions. Shoppers need to play their part in helping to limit the spread of the virus and avoid further lockdowns by following the rules and respecting staff.

“Regrettably, throughout this appalling pandemic, incidents of abuse towards shopworkers doubled. It should never be just a part of the job and shopworkers must be respected. Retail staff are working with the public every day and are not only facing increased abuse, but also a higher chance of catching Covid-19.”

The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) and Usdaw have jointly asked Scots to play their part in creating a safe and enjoyable retail environment for other customers and shop staff.

The SRC and Usdaw are encouraging shoppers to:

  • queue considerately,
  • maintain physical distancing,
  • wear face coverings, and
  • follow instructions and be respectful to shop staff.

Fort Kinnaird prepares to welcome back shoppers

Fort Kinnaird is preparing to welcome visitors back from next week, as the Scottish Government confirms that the country will move into the next stage of easing lockdown restrictions.

From 26th April, non-essential stores such as JD Sports, Next and Pandora will be open once again.

A selection of restaurants and cafes such as Five Guys, wagamama, Caffè Nero and Starbucks will also be welcoming customers back for the first time this year while Bread Meats Bread will be opening its largest restaurant in Scotland from Monday. Visitors can enjoy food and non-alcoholic drinks in groups of up to four people from two households indoors, with alcohol available when seated outdoors.

To help keep everybody safe, the retail park will continue to have its hand sanitising stations and enhanced cleaning regimes in place.

All visitors must wear a face covering when inside stores unless exempt for medical reasons, and the Fort Kinnaird team will be available to help and assist shoppers to ensure everyone can enjoy a safe shopping experience.

Liam Smith, Centre Director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “After a long break, our retailers are gearing up to open their doors once more. We know many customers are excited about the reopening and we can’t wait to welcome them back to Fort Kinnaird.

“As we reopen, safety will remain a top priority for us. Visitors can expect to see all of our extra safety measures still in place when they come to visit, and our team will be available to help visitors as they return to their favourite shops.”

Opening times and policies of individual retailers may vary, so it is always recommended that you check with them directly before setting off.

Visitor numbers will be carefully managed to make sure everyone can maintain social distancing. If the retail park or any of the stores become particularly busy, visitors may be asked to queue considerately in designated outdoor areas.

More information to help you plan your next visit to Fort Kinnaird can be found on its website here: https://www.fortkinnaird.com/planning-your-visit

St James Quarter and FUSE launch free training academy for job seekers

FUSE aims to help inspire the next generation of retail and hospitality

Future leaders of retail and hospitality can broaden their skills and knowledge as St James Quarter and FUSE team up to create their first ever virtual training academy – open to anyone currently out of work or looking for a job in retail and hospitality.

Throughout May, The FUSE Academy will host the top names in retail and hospitality, who will share the secrets of carving out a successful career in the industry. Each inspiring and informative session is free to attend and will give expert insight as well as providing valuable training tips for interviewing and creating the perfect CV.

Working with partners across Edinburgh, St James Quarter launched FUSE to provide a high-quality recruitment and training service for the 3,000 jobs it will bring to Scotland when its doors open in June. As well as finding the suitable candidates for each role, FUSE focuses on developing careers by offering training and providing people with opportunities to achieve accredited qualifications. 

St James Quarter Managing Director Nick Peel (above) and Retail Director Gill Moore (below) will kick off the virtual FUSE Academy with an inspiring and in-depth look at their careers and previous roles, which include senior positions at Arsenal Football Club, Rangers Football Club and Harvey Nichols Middle East.

FUSE Manager Calum Nicol, who will co-host the CV workshop session, said: “FUSE is about more than filling roles, it’s about finding the right job for the right person and allowing people to carve out successful careers.

“At FUSE we pride ourselves on helping job seekers not only find work but expand their career prospects by connecting them to courses and accredited qualifications. The FUSE Academy is the perfect way to discover career opportunities and expand your own skillset by learning from some of the biggest names in Scottish retail and hospitality.”

As well as featuring speakers from FUSE and Fair Start Scotland, The FUSE Academy will also welcome experts from some of the biggest brands opening at St James Quarter, including Bross Bagels, Bonnie and Wild and the PVH Group, who represent Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.

St James Quarter Marketing and Brand Director, Rochelle Burgess, who will be part of The FUSE Academy’s Expert Panel discussion, is delighted to be involved in the virtual training sessions.

She said: “As someone who started out working on the shopfloor, I am so pleased to be able to share my experiences from my career so far.

“There is a common misconception that there are limited career opportunities within retail and hospitality, but The FUSE Academy will dispel those myths, while allowing those who attend to gain valuable CV and interview skills.

“The jobs that St James Quarter brings will have a positive impact on Edinburgh and could also be the first step in a new career for someone, that legacy is something that really excites me.”

The FUSE Academy begins on 6 May, with each 45-minute session covering a different topic each Thursday, throughout the month.

To register, please visit www.edinburghfuse.com/events

The FUSE Academy schedule:

Thursday, 6 May Session One: My Career in Retail – registration

Thursday, 13 May Session Two: CV Workshop – registration

Thursday, 20 May Session Three: Interview Masterclass – registration

Thursday, 27 May Session Four: Expert Brand Panel – registration

Morrisons launches new BBQ box to get you fired up for summer

– The new BBQ Box launches to coincide with alfresco meet-ups –

– The limited edition box includes everything you need for a BBQ and can be ordered for next-day delivery –

With garden get-togethers back on the cards this week and as the weather starts to warm up, Morrisons has launched a new bumper BBQ Food Box to wow your guests and cook up a storm for meat eaters and veggies alike.

The box includes plenty to throw on the grill; with classic British Beef Quarter Pounders and The Best Pork Sausages and Chicken Drumsticks, or Belly Pork Slices and Morrisons Cypriot Halloumi for something a little different.

There’s no need to pick up extras, as the box also features staples such as soft white rolls and cheese singles as well as condiments – Heinz Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce and Flava-It Barbecue Marinade – to set tastebuds alight.

Sides and snacks are also covered, including Morrisons The Best Gruyere & Poppy Twists, Doritos Tangy Cheese Sharing Tortilla Chips and Morrisons Sour Cream Dip for guests to tuck into when they arrive. There are also plenty of fresh ingredients to mix up a tasty side salad.

Finally, those with a sweet tooth can dive into Morrisons Flapjack Mini Bites and Morrisons Market Street Brownie Mini Bites.

Mollie Clarke, Food Box Specialist at Morrisons said: “The sun is finally starting to come out, just in time for friends and family gatherings in the back garden. Our new BBQ Food Box takes away the stress of hosting, featuring everything our customers need to grill up a delicious spread for kids, adults, meat lovers and veggies.” 

Morrisons limited-edition BBQ Food Box costs £40 including next day delivery and is available now on the Morrisons food boxes website – visit:

https://www.morrisons.com/food-boxes/box/BBQ-Box

 For more information on Morrisons Food Boxes range visit 

www.morrisons.com/food-boxes