Feature Article
Glasgow Shopping [04/2009] Ellen Bramwell
Glasgow is Scotland’s biggest city – a dynamic and stylish urban centre with a reputation for friendliness and flair. Over one and a half million people live within easy distance of Glasgow’s many amenities and, along with Glasgow’s urban population, have been able to enjoy the city’s renaissance over the last few decades.
Regeneration
The regeneration of Glasgow continues today with the development of the waterfront along the shores of the mighty River Clyde. Where you would once have seen a forest of giant cranes serving the shipyards, there are now smart new flats, hotels, restaurants and office blocks. Areas such as Glasgow International Financial Services District on the north bank have been linked with those to the south, allowing closer connections spanning the Clyde. The river has been opened up to the people, with new bridges and walkways attracting the public down to the water. This renewed focus on Glasgow’s main waterway has been matched by a regeneration of the Forth & Clyde canal and has been enhanced by the annual Glasgow River Festival, allowing families to enjoy boats and attractions on the Clyde itself.
Unsurprisingly, this sense of renewal and optimism has been attracting increasing numbers of international visitors to Glasgow. This can only be set to rise, even against the backdrop of recession, buoyed up by several exciting developments.
One of the World’s Top 10
In 2008, Glasgow was named as one of the world’s top ten cities for visitors by Lonely Planet; the only city in the UK to make the cut. The city’s contemporary style impressed the travel bible, which proclaimed: “Forget about castles, kilts, bagpipes and tartan – you come to Glasgow for the cocktails, cuisine and designer chic (plus the legendary native wit).”
This came soon after the city had been awarded the Commonwealth Games for 2014, an event that is sure to attract yet more visitors from all over the world. The current weakness of the pound also means that European and other tourists are seeing better value for their money and coming to Glasgow ready for some serious retail therapy.
Shopping Centre of Excellence
Shopping is where the city most obviously shines. It is second only to London as a UK retail destination, despite having a population just a tenth of the size of the UK capital. Glasgow’s three major shopping streets – Buchanan Street, Sauchiehall Street and Argyle Street – dominate the city centre and contain most major retail chains, including Marks & Spencer, Debenhams and House of Fraser amongst hundreds of others. But this is only part of the picture. Smaller and independent shops line the side streets, while exclusive boutiques border the pavements of the chic Merchant City area and the upmarket Italian Centre, with designer names like Versace and Armani.
Remain Competitive
During this economic storm, it is more important that ever for Glasgow’s retail industry to remain competitive and innovative.
As well as large centres making plans for expansion, individual shops have been making their own efforts to drum up trade and deliver fantastic value to
their customers. Recent research has shown that product promotion has an effect on nearly 70% of shoppers, causing people to try new things and to switch
brands. This is achieved through media advertising and in-store promotions. Around half of shoppers will actively seek out promotions, including shopping
at a different store from usual because they have seen great discount offers advertised. Special offers give people the chance to try new products and
services at a bargain price, which takes away some of the risk associated with buying a product you are not sure you will like. Adverts giving information
on the promotions and discounts available at different shops allow the public to take advantage of the many bargains up for grabs. This can only be a
win-win situation in beating the recession – shops with good offers get extra trade while canny shoppers save a good few pennies!
