Shop Aberdeen will burst into life this weekend – and Aberdeen Inspired has now unveiled the full rundown of unique discounts and offers available, along with some special events for the hugely-popular weekend.
With savings from 10% to as much as 50%, along with free gifts, goodie bags and even lucky dips, there will be deals galore for customers flocking to the city centre from Thursday, April 24, to Sunday, April 25.
Many retailers will also be staging special events to entice customers through their doors, from exclusive whisky tastings to embroidery workshops, late night shopping experiences to a camp food tasting event.
Stores have spoken of their hopes that Shop Aberdeen will “excite” shoppers and “create a buzz” in the city centre this weekend while encouraging people to support local.
In the mix will also be a fantastic competition to win a £250 Aberdeen Gift Card.
Aberdeen Inspired, which is running Shop Aberdeen to boost bricks and mortar businesses and bring more people into the city centre, said it was delighted to see so many retailers get behind the event as it today published online the full list of shops and the deals and events they are offering.
To unlock all these special goodies, you just need to quote “Shop Aberdeen” in participating retailers.
You can find the details of which stores are part of Shop Aberdeen and their offering here.
Aberdeen institution, Annie Mo’s on Union Street, is delighted to be part of Shop Aberdeen, said Emily McDonald, who runs the furniture store with her mother Judith.
She said: “We are excited to be taking part in Shop Aberdeen for the first time. It will be a great opportunity to show our shop to new customers and a little thank you to existing ones. During the Shop Aberdeen weekend customers who spend over £100 will receive a free £19 diffuser of their choice to take away with them.”
Hair salon Linton & Mac are also part of the Shop Aberdeen line-up and were happy to sing the praises of the event.
Ally Linton, salon manager with Linton & Mac, said: “We’ve been part of the Aberdeen independent businesses for close to a decade and if one thing is true, it’s about community. It’s the central theme of Shop Aberdeen and we love being part of that.
“As an event that introduces new people to our salon, new clients can enjoy 20% off on us for all colour services! Or a free treatment with a complimentary take-home version of our best-selling after-care product with every cut or blow dry during Shop Aberdeen.
“We’re hoping Shop Aberdeen will excite and create a buzz in the city, bringing people out to explore everything on offer. For us, we’d love to reach out to people who haven’t been with us before to come in, enjoy a complimentary beverage or cocktail and let us give them fabulous hair!”
Kara Taylor, manager of the Belmont Street branch of Duncan and Todd Opticians, said they were proud to support the Shop Aberdeen initiative.
She said: “We would encourage everyone to shop local and discover the great businesses right on their doorstep. We’re offering 20% off glasses and sunglasses frames at our Belmont St and Union St branches. With expert styling and a fresh range just in, there’s never been a better time to find your perfect pair. We look forward to welcoming existing and new customers during the event.”
Also joining Shop Aberdeen is EDIT, who showcase beautifully crafted work by designers, artists and makers from across the North-east.
Sally Moir, of EDIT, said: “We’re excited to take part in Shop Aberdeen as a way to champion our local creative community and connect with customers who value independent, design-led shopping.
“As a thank you for supporting local, we’re offering a £5 voucher with every £50 spent and a £10 voucher with every £100 spent, redeemable on your next visit. We hope this encourages people to return to the high street, shop local, and continue investing in thoughtful, handmade goods.”
As well as offers and discounts, many retailers are offering special events.
These include:
- Exclusive whisky tastings with a three-dram flight for £10 in the tasting room of the Aberdeen Whisky Shop on Union Street on Thursday and Friday.
- Abstract Embroidery Made Simple Workshops at Copper & Grey on Chapel Street, for £35, led Lorna from Threid Stitches, from Friday to Sunday. Lorna will also be holding free embroidery demos.
- A “Six By Craigdon” tasting event at Craigdon Mountain Sports to sample a variety of speciality camping foods on Saturday
- A “Dreams To Reality” talk by trail and ultra runner Meryl Cooper at Tiso Aberdeen, on John Street on Thursday evening.
- Thursday late-night shopping experiences at Aberdeen Gift and Tourist Shop, Aberdeen Vinyl Records (both Union Street) and Style For Your Shape – with a glass of fizz and 15% discount on purchases – in the Trinity Centre.
In addition to offers and events a £250 Aberdeen Gift Card is up for grabs for one lucky shopper during Shop Aberdeen in an “It’s In The Bag” competition staged by Aberdeen Inspired. Anyone who makes a purchase in a participating store can then scan a special QR code to enter the contest for their chance to win.
Kate Timperley, project manager for Aberdeen Inspired, said: “It is brilliant that so many retailers have rallied under the Shop Aberdeen banner to create what will be an exciting and vibrant weekend in the Granite City.
“Our first Shop Aberdeen last October was a great success and I’m sure this weekend will see many shoppers delighted by the fantastic discounts, offers and fun events.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “In these difficult times our city centre retail sector needs all the support it can get. We think Shop Aberdeen will be a huge incentive for people to come into town and enjoy the unmatched experience of shopping in person, while setting tills ringing for retailers.
“Our hope is that those who discover what our local shops have to offer will make a habit of shopping in person not just this weekend, but all year round.”