More than 50 retailers have signed up to be part of the Shop Aberdeen weekend aimed at boosting bricks and mortar stores in the city centre, Aberdeen Inspired revealed today.
The businesses, ranging from health and beauty to fashion and sports, will have unique offers, special discounts and in-store events during the special event, which will run from Thursday, April 24, to Sunday, April 27.
Aberdeen Inspired has now released the full list of shops who will be part of April’s Shop Aberdeen on its website. The event follows the success of the first Shop Aberdeen when 49 outlets took part and were delighted by the boost in new customers and business it brought in.
In the mix are much-loved and well-known local traders, Annie Mo’s, Attic, Juniper, Style For Your Shape, Hamish Munro, Charles Michies, Aberdeen Vinyl Records, Esslemonts, Aberdeen Whisky Shop and Copper & Grey.
There are also several High Street names joining in Shop Aberdeen, such as New Look, Boux Avenue, Saks Hair and Beauty, and Seasalt Cornwall and Toytown.
The full range of Shop Aberdeen specials will be revealed closer to the event, but customers can look forward to discounts from 10% to 25%, buy-one-get-one-free offers, plus free gifts, special tastings and late-night shopping events.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “I am thrilled that so many shops are taking part in our second outing for Shop Aberdeen after the first event in October was such a huge success.
“We had businesses asking to sign up even before we had officially launched the April Shop Aberdeen, which is a testament to the impact and uplift traders enjoyed last time.
“The aim of Shop Aberdeen is straightforward – to encourage people to come into the city centre from right across the north-east, to enjoy the experience of in-person shopping, find some excellent offers, all while supporting local.
“Not only will they visit participating shops but will also take in some of the other attractions in the city centre, have a bite to eat or go for a relaxing drink.
“I can’t wait to see Shop Aberdeen ring up another success for everyone while bringing a vibrant atmosphere to the heart of the Granite City."
Retailers taking part in Shop Aberdeen are also looking forward to its return.
Bryan Sutherland, of Aberdeen Whisky Shop on Union Street, said: “We are very excited for the Shop Aberdeen weekend - it's such a great way to celebrate shopping in Aberdeen and the unique shops in the city!
“Participating this year also coincides wonderfully to kick start the celebrations for Aberdeen Whisky Shop's 15th year. We've seen lots of change in Aberdeen over that time and truly believe that we're seeing a renaissance in the shopping experience for everyone.
“So many independent and boutique shops now being in Aberdeen is great to see!
“There’s lots of fun to be had on the Shop Aberdeen weekend with discounts in store, special whisky flights in the tasting room and more!”
Katharine Canning, owner of Copper & Grey, the independently owned and operated gifts and homeware business on Chapel Street, said she was delighted to be taking part in Shop Aberdeen.
She said: “The first event last October gave us a lovely opportunity to connect with our customers and get to know new ones. We’re always excited to get behind events that bring positivity to the city centre and as a passionate, independent shop, love that Aberdeen retail gets a weekend to shine.
“Our ’Scratch & Win’ scratchcards are back, along with a secret code discount and we’ve arranged a series of embroidery workshops with Lorna Reid from Threid Stitches throughout the Shop Aberdeen weekend.”
Joanne Minty, of New Look – which is offering £10 off a £50 spend for the event – also said she is looking forward to Shop Aberdeen.
“I hope it brings people into our stores to see what we have to offer, maybe people who haven't been in town for a wee while who can take advantage of the discounts in our retail stores. But they can also make a day of it by eating out, maybe leaving the car at home and have a drink to help keep what stores we do have alive.”
For the full list of retailers taking part in Shop Aberdeen from April 24 to 27 visit here.