Newest city shopping experience launches
A PAIR of red leather gloves was the first item off the shelf as John Lewis and Victoria Gate opened their doors to the Leeds public for the first time yesterday.
More than 1500 shoppers filed through the doors of the flagship home and lifestyle brand within the first hour of opening. Meanwhile it was estimated that 2,000 people came through the doors of the £165 million Victoria Gate centre istelf in the first 15 minutes after the ribbon cutting.
Excitement had been building outside for hours beforehand as eager shoppers gathered to make sure they were at the front of the queue.
Of The North Brass Band played as dignitaries and VIPs were shown into a specially built marquee to get front row seats to special performances from Of the North brass band, the Northern School of Dance and Northern Ballet before Scouting for Girls rocked the stage.
Just before 10am Sir Gary Verity and Olympic athlete Nile Wilson cut the ribon to a fanfare of fireworks and officially declared one of the city’s most anticipated development projects open.
Victoria Gate’s general manager, James Bailey said: “It has been absolutely fantastic with over 2000 people in the first 15 minutes. It is a great response and if you look at the stores they are packed.”
Alastair Lockhart, Head of Insight at shopper and marketing agency Savvy said:“Victoria Gate is something Leeds should be proud of. It’s the only major shopping centre development to open in the UK this year so is a big vote of confidence in the city. It has real character and has introduced a number of new retailers to Leeds. The draw of Leeds for retail tourism increased substantially today.
“The John Lewis design and visual merchandising remind us why physical shops still have a big role to play even as we shop more online. It’s interesting, exciting and enticing.”