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Shopping685Gift Card launched in support of City businesses ahead of Christmas
A new City of London gift card is being launched today to encourage spending at participating retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in the Square Mile. The initiative is a collective project created and funded by two Business Improvement Districts; Aldgate Connect...
By Ben Brown -
Shopping6082The UK’s best gift memberships for Christmas
People have increasingly started to embrace the purchasing of memberships and subscriptions as Christmas gifts instead of buying items that get thrown away in January.
By Andrew Zuccala -
Shopping1230Leadenhall Market transforms for Christmas
Leadenhall Market has received its annual festive makeover, with all the lights, garlands & snow machines helping transform the shopping and dining space into a winter wonderland.
By Andrew Zuccala -
Shopping1230Shop local in the run-up to Christmas to support struggling local companies
The Square Mile's City Hall representative, Unmesh Desai, is calling on City of London residents to shop local in the run-up to Christmas. Mr Desai said that a “community-wide effort is needed” to support small businesses on local high streets and...
By Ben Brown -
Shopping875The UnRefundables: Shoppers left out of pocket post-pandemic
Consumer research commissioned by Visa has revealed a sharp increase in people unable to access returns or refunds for items bought during lockdown, with 11% of those who requested money back still waiting for, or denied access, to a refund or voucher...
By Ben Brown -
Shopping1078Suburban spending boosted while Central London flags
Spending is close to or above normal levels in some outer London suburbs, while in-store purchases are at rock bottom in central London, according to a new report. Overall, the economic impact of lockdown has been just as severe in London...
By Ben Brown -
Shopping1052Back in Business: Retail stores reopen their doors in the City of London
More and more shops are opening up in the Square Mile these days, letting local workers and residents get their retail therapy fix in person rather than online.
By Andrew Zuccala -
Shopping1987Brits to spend £965 each on Christmas presents this year, 25% more than 2019
The UK looks set for a record-breaking Christmas spending spree as shoppers reveal they intend to splash out on presents to help get over lockdown. Families have said they intend to spend around 25% more than usual on Christmas presents in 2020. Last year Brits said...
By Ben Brown -
Shopping1117Customers need touchless retail to feel safe after lockdown
Shoppers want more voice-activated demos, augmented reality try-ons and mobile-activated self-checkout options in post-pandemic retail environments as they move to a safety-first consumer mindset, according to new research. The study, carried out among 1,000 consumers in late May, explored attitudes and sentiment to...
By Ben Brown -
Shopping1272Common shopping myths consumers should watch out for
Common consumer myths that could leave Brits out of pocket have been revealed – including the fact you don’t actually need a receipt to return faulty goods. While most people believe they need a receipt to return faulty goods, if an item is faulty, not...
By Ben Brown