THOUSANDS of shoppers visited Aberdeen’s new Christmas Market over its opening weekend, with stallholders also reporting record sales.
Organised by Aberdeen Inspired, the indoor market opened at Bon Accord Aberdeen on Thursday and attracted 5,519 visitors between then and Sunday.
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Almost 50 businesses – ranging from small independent makers and producers to national high street brands such as Lush cosmetics – have signed up for the market, which runs until December 23.
The market will showcase products and services from around 25 socially distanced stallholders each weekend.
As well as giving festive shoppers access to a huge array of products the market is also raising money for Charlie House, with £1,500 being raised over the weekend.
A further £10,000 will go to the charity as Aberdeen Inspired is donating all the stall fees directly to support its work with babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions.
Traders welcomed the opportunity to safely showcase their wares and spread some festive cheer.
Lynne Wallace, who runs baby and children’s clothing company Tots Gear, experienced strong sales over the weekend.
She said: “It has made a huge difference allowing traders to be able to sell their products. With my products people like to look at them in person and buying online is just not the same experience.
“Sales have greatly increased on last year which gives a much-needed boost to local businesses such as mine.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said the market was helping to bring visitors into the city centre to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
“We are delighted to have welcomed so many shoppers over the first weekend and for many traders to have reported bumper sales is just brilliant,” he said. “This is so encouraging and we look forward to seeing many more shoppers over the coming weeks.”
Gibbs Menswear is welcoming shoppers into their kilt hire Aberdeenshire clothing store this winter. Don’t miss your chance to shop with them. View their online store https://www.gibbsmenswear.co.uk/ and get prepared for upcoming events.
