Tag: shopping

Wynyard Hall Farm Shop To Host Christmas Shopping Evenings

By on 6th December 2015in Local Biz

Shoppers can snap up some last minute Christmas gifts and festive fare at two special events being held by the North East’s newest attraction this month…

Following the success of its annual Christmas fayre, Wynyard Hall Hotel, Tees valley, is hosting festive shopping evenings, on Thursday 10th and 17th December, at its recently opened Walled Garden farm shop.

And, along with the chance to purchase some of the finest locally sourced gifts and ingredients, visitors will be given special price discounts at each event.

A glass of Prosecco will be served to each visitor on arrival and they will also be able to sample some of the food lines on sale at the farm shop, overlooking the multi-million pound rose garden.

“I have personally selected – and sampled – every food item on sale in the farm shop,” said Wynyard Hall’s Managing Director Allison Antonopoulos.

“And, as it is of the utmost importance to me to showcase local suppliers, we have some fabulous lines, from the likes of Norton-based Blackwells Butchers, the Acorn Dairy, near Darlington and Proof of the Pudding, Northumberland.

“There are also dressings and condiments from Great Taste award-winners Wildon Grange, County Durham, real ales from the Black Paw Brewery, at Bishop Auckland and vintage sweets, courtesy of Hartlepool-based Carnaby’s Treats.”

Shoppers can also choose from a wide range of gardening items, Christmas decorations, handmade cards and gifts and seasonal homeware, including cushions, throws and scarves by Yorkshire-based Bronte by Moon, one of the UK’s few remaining woollen mills. 

The festive shopping evenings will take place between 6pm and 8pm. Attendance is free, but those who pre-register at www.wynyardhall.co.uk/events will receive a voucher entitling them to a 10 per cent discount on purchases of £40 or over.

Sunderland Urged To Shop Locally For Small Business Saturday

By on 4th December 2015in Local Biz

Shoppers in Sunderland are being urged to back local businesses and search for seasonal bargains closer to home…

Small Business Saturday, which runs nationwide on December 5th, is designed to raise awareness of small companies, including retailers, and help boost their footfall by encouraging more people to shop locally.

Sunderland’s Business Improvement District, Experience It Here, is backing the Government initiative, and urging the city’s residents and visitors to show their support on the day and beyond.

Ken Dunbar, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, said: “There are a whole host of small and independent businesses in Sunderland, offering a wide range of amazing products, as well as outstanding levels of customer service.

“We hope that Small Business Saturday will help these retailers to step out of the shadows left by larger stores and household names, as well as encouraging more people to utilise them for their Christmas shopping.”

Small Business Saturday, which was first developed in the US, has been running in the UK for the past three years, with more than five million businesses expected to be involved in 2015.

It is being supported by Sunderland BID as part of a series of events designed to attract visitors to the city during the busy Christmas period.  This also includes the creation of a magical Frost Village around Keel Square, featuring an ice rink, market and fun fair.

For more information visit www.sunderlandchristmas.co.uk.

Frosty Fun In Chester-le-Street For Christmas Light Switch On

By on 30th November 2015in In & Around

The Chester-le-Street Christmas lights are set to turn the town into a Winter Wonderland…

 

Residents and visitors to Chester-le-Street are invited to gather around the Christmas tree for the annual festive light switch on, taking place on Thursday 3rd December at 4pm.

They’ll be joined by the Town Crier, stilt walkers, Frosty the Snowman, and characters from Disney blockbuster Frozen.

Organisers have arranged for free parking after 3pm in all Durham County Council car parks throughout December, and businesses are set to remain open throughout the evening, meaning hot drinks and food will be available.

For more information, email chester-le-streetaap@durham.gov.uk.

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New Danish Variety Store Opens In Sunderland Today

By on 30th November 2015in Local Biz, What's New?

A Danish variety store is hoping to get its claws into the Christmas rush by opening its doors in Sunderland today…

Tiger, which specialises in practical, fun and decorative goods (including homeware, kitchenware, stationery and toys), will launch at the Bridges shopping centre at midday today (Monday 30th November).

It follows the opening of the chain’s first North East branch in Newcastle earlier this month.

Mike Davis, who owns the Tiger franchise for the North East, said: “I joined Tiger as a franchisee in 2014, with plans to open between twenty and thirty shops across Scotland and Northern England.

“Launching in Sunderland is a key step towards achieving this target, and I’m confident the city is going to be a great market for us. Not only is there a real gap for Tiger’s type of products, but the high footfall in the Bridges will hopefully be of great value too.”

Tiger, which originated in Copenhagen, is the latest big name brand to arrive at the Bridges in recent months, with others including fashion retailer Pep and Co.

Andy Bradley, Centre Director for the Bridges, said: “This is a hugely exciting time for the Bridges and we are really excited to have Tiger on board.  With more new stores also arriving, we hope to offer visitors even more choice when it comes to this year’s Christmas shopping.”

For more information about Tiger, visit www.tigerstores.co.uk.

Further details about the Bridges, including full opening times, can be found at www.thebridges-shopping.com.

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Drop And Wrap Service Running For Sunderland Christmas Shoppers

By on 24th November 2015in In & Around

Shoppers in Sunderland can get Christmas all wrapped up thanks to a new initiative…

From November 26th, Sunderland’s Business Improvement District company, Experience It Here! will be running a special Drop and Wrap service in partnership with National Skills Shop for Retail.

Shoppers will be able to unload their gifts at the new Elephant Tea Room, High Street West, and leave them there to be wrapped while they enjoy the packed programme of seasonal events running in the city.

This includes an ice rink, Christmas market and funfair.

“Christmas shopping can be hectic,” said Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, Ken Dunbar.  “We’re hoping that the Drop and Wrap service will help reduce stress and give visitors a chance to enjoy our events, without having to lug their gifts around.”

The Drop and Wrap service will be run by staff and apprentices from National Skills Shop for Retail, as well as several volunteers.

“There’s so much going on in Sunderland this Christmas, so it’s great to be able to provide a service that will make it easier for people to take advantage of that,” said Chris Hall, Sales and Marketing Director at National Skills Shop for Retail.

“We expect the service to be very popular and are appealing for volunteers to get into the festive spirit and give us a hand.”

Shoppers can have their presents wrapped from £2 per item, with 50% of proceeds going to charities run by Sunderland Minster.

“Not only will this service help Sunderland’s visitors to enjoy the festive season, but it will also raise money for some really great causes,” said Sheila Bamber, Canon Provost at Sunderland Minster.

“We’re very grateful to Sunderland BID and National Skills Shop for Retail for choosing our charities to be the recipients of the money that’s raised.”

For more information about the Drop and Wrap service, or to volunteer, please call 0191 649 8686.

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Darlington Retailers Enticing Black Friday Shoppers

By on 23rd November 2015in Local Biz

Retailers in a North East town centre are tempting Black Friday bargain hunters with in-store, as well as on-line, offers…

Originally an American tradition, Black Friday, held on the first Friday following Thanksgiving, has become an international event, kick-starting present buying with huge savings and discounts.

And as businesses across the globe prepare for this year’s event, on Friday 27th November, one town hopes to boost business even further.

Retailers in Darlington town centre are hoping to persuade shoppers to turn up to the stores in person – rather than shop solely on line – and have lined up plenty of bargains to persuade them to do just that.

Throughout the course of the day, high street giants, such as BHS, along with smaller independent stores such as Chestnut Clothing at Grange Road, and Footprints at Skinnergate, will be slashing prices on everything from homeware to clothing and electrical goods.

Alex Hirst, manager of Distinct Darlington, which was set up to promote business in the town centre, said: “Nationally it is expected that Black Friday sales could hit the £1billion figure and Darlington’s shops are naturally keen to attract a slice of that.

“Many have been increasing their stock considerably in order to meet projected demand and a great deal of thought has gone into the offers and discounts they will be offering.

“They are also keen to attract people into the stores and have come up with some great bargains which won’t be available on-line.

Last year Black Friday resulted in a national online spend of £810m with discounts averaging 37 per cent.

To help shoppers identify bargains and track down discounts, Distinct Darlington will be highlighting special offers on its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DistinctDarlington.

For further information about Distinct Darlington visit www.distinctdarlington.co.uk.

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Wynyward Hall Offer Exclusive Spa Experience For Christmas Shoppers

By on 23rd November 2015in Local Biz

Christmas shoppers looking for pampering present ideas are invited to a special event at a top hotel and spa…

 

The lakeside Spa, at Wynyard Hall Hotel, Tees Valley, is holding a shopping evening on Tuesday 1st December.

Not only will visitors be able to snap up an extensive selection of products from the exclusive Temple Spa range, but they will be given a voucher for a free file and polish by the Spa’s trained team of manicurists.

They will also be able to find out more about the treatments and products available at the Spa and view its wide range of facilities, which include a salt inhalation room, outdoor vitality spa, ice fountain and herbal sauna.

Complimentary mulled wine and canapés will be served throughout the evening, which is by appointment only and free to attend. Places can be reserved by calling 01740 644811.

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Thousands Flock To Metrocentre For Star-Studded Christmas Lights Switch-On

By on 20th November 2015in Entertainment, Film & TV

Thousands gathered to watch some of TV’s top stars light up one of the UK’s largest shopping centres…

Families from across the North East headed to Gateshead’s intu Metrocentre at the weekend to watch X Factor favourite Lola Saunders, and Gogglebox family the Moffatts press the button which signals the start of the festive season at the centre.

Former fishmonger Lola, from East Boldon, made it through to the live finals of the X Factor in 2014 and has since performed live across the UK, as well as recording tracks with legendary producers such as Artful Dodger.

She was joined underneath intu Metrocentre’s Tree of Light in Town Square, by Metro Radio’s breakfast team, Steve and Karen, as well as Mark, Betty and Scarlett Moffatt, from Bishop Auckland, whose straight-talking has made them one of the most popular households on Channel 4’s Gogglebox.

The celebrities were joined by intu Metrocentre’s Head of Fun, Mac Toal, his deputy, Myah Rose Wilson, the centre’s Metrognomes, and Santa himself.

Helen Atkinson, marketing manager at intu Metrocentre, said: “Lola and the Moffatts attracted possibly our biggest Christmas crowd ever, and the atmosphere in the centre was absolutely amazing.”

intu Metrocentre’s Christmas light switch on forms part of a packed programme of seasonal events, which also includes Santa’s grotto, a pantomime, and extended opening hours until January 3rd, as well as raising funds for Text Santa.

For more information visit www.intumetrocentre.co.uk/Whats-on/Christmas.

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Sign Language Santa On His Way To Metrocentre

By on 18th November 2015in Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

Intu Metrocentre is set to spread some festive cheer with a special event for hearing-impaired children…

As part of its Christmas festivities, intu Metrocentre, Gateshead, will be running two special sessions with Santa and Mrs Claus for children who communicate via sign language.

The sessions, which will run on Sunday November 22nd and Sunday November 29th from 10am – 11am, will give the children the chance to visit Santa’s grotto and tell him what they want for Christmas.

The idea for a signing Santa came after members of the intu Metrocentre Customer Services teams received sign language training.

“We wanted to make sure that everyone had the opportunity to enjoy our Christmas programme, and these sessions will mean that children with hearing problems will be able to join in the fun too,” said Helen Atkinson, marketing manager at intu Metrocentre.

“There’s so much going on in the centre throughout the festive season, including our seasonal pantomime, Santa’s grotto, our extended opening hours and raising funds for Text Santa. We’re really proud of this part of our Christmas programme.”

The sessions with Santa and Mrs Claus will take place between 10am and 11am. Members of the centre’s Customer Services team who have been trained to use sign language will also be on hand on the day.

Shoppers must book in advance for this free activity, and can do so here. Spaces are limited, so shoppers are advised to book early.

For more information about the centre’s Christmas programme, including Santa’s Grotto, visit www.intumetrocentre.co.uk/Whats-on/Christmas.

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Gogglebox and X Factor Stars Heading To Metrocentre For Christmas

By on 12th November 2015in Entertainment, Events, Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

Top TV stars are set to light up one of the UK’s largest shopping centres in their native North East…

X Factor favourite Lola Saunders will be joined by Gogglebox family the Moffatts to switch on the Christmas lights at intu Metrocentre on Sunday November 15th.

Former fishmonger Lola, from East Boldon, made it through to the live finals of the X Factor in 2014, and has since performed live across the UK, as well as recording tracks with legendary producers such as Artful Dodger.

Sitting on their sofa alongside Lola underneath intu Metrocentre’s Tree of Light in Town Square will be Mark, Betty and Scarlett Moffatt, from Bishop Auckland, whose straight-talking has made them one of the most popular households on Channel 4’s Gogglebox.

Intu Metrocentre’s Head of Fun, Mac Toal, and his deputy, Myah Rose Wilson, will also be in attendance, with entertainment starting at 2pm and the official light switch on at 4pm.

Helen Atkinson, marketing manager at intu Metrocentre, said: “Lola Saunders and the Moffatt family are some of the North East’s most recent and most popular famous faces, and we’re absolutely delighted to have them joining us for the Christmas light switch on.”

intu Metrocentre’s Christmas light switch on forms part of a packed programme of seasonal events, which also includes Santa’s grotto, a pantomime and extended opening hours until January 3rd, as well as raising funds for Text Santa.

Click here for more information.

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