Huge crowds at Victoria Quarter event
Thursday 13th October saw nearly 2,000 people queuing outside Victoria Quarter for the start of the centre’s annual Shopping Affair extravaganza, which was another great success in spite of the prevailing economic climate.
This year’s event, the eighth for the centre, saw in excess of 8,500 people attend over the course of the evening and once again marked the launch of Leeds Shopping Week, which runs until 23rd October.
Each Shopping Affair has a different overarching theme, with this year’s being Pirates of the Caribbean. The crowds were entertained by live music from electric violin performers Storm, fire eaters, aerial artistes and a Johnny Depp lookalike, whilst taking full advantage of exclusive offers and discounts available throughout the centre’s stores.
VQ Centre Director, John Bade commented, “The Shopping Affair has developed over the last eight years into arguably the most significant event in VQ’s calendar, so a lot of effort goes into making each one a success.
With the wider economic situation remaining uncertain, it’s been increasingly difficult to predict turnout over the last two or three years, making the results this year that much more impressive. The last three events, including this one, have all seen notable year-on-year growth in takings, something that is wholly counter to the prevailing climate.”
“The Shopping Affair undoubtedly plays a big part in maintaining customer loyalty,” he continued, “as well as adding to its broader appeal for brands who want to open stores here. In that context it has certainly played a fundamental role in helping VQ retain its 100% let status for the last three years, in spite of volatile market conditions. With Christmas around the corner, I hope this might be an encouraging yardstick for a crucial period for retailers.”
