Press Release

Get more for your Euro this Christmas

9th December 2004

Euro shoppers are getting an early Christmas present this year thanks to the efforts of retailers and tourism representatives in Derry ~ Londonderry who are currently offering unbeatable rates on the currency this festive season as part of the ‘You’ll Love the Change’ Christmas campaign.

Supported by an interactive website www.lovethechange.co.uk, ‘You’ll Love the Change’ profiles the city as a more attractive place than ever for Euro shoppers to visit this Christmas.

Shoppers are being asked to look out for the Euro Friendly symbol for participating shops throughout the City Centre this festive season. By pricing goods in both sterling pounds and Euro, many city retailers are hoping that this will further attract Euro Christmas shoppers to their stores. There’s also fantastic late night shopping available with many of the city shops open on weekdays until 10pm!!

Des Farrell, manager of Foyleside Shopping Centre - recently awarded the ‘Best shopping Centre in Northern Ireland’ accolade, recognised Euro shoppers as an integral part of the City’s business throughout the year.

He commented: “The City has firmly established itself as an attractive destination for a weekend shopping break, as well as the day trip shopper. We’re expecting a significant increase in the amount of Euros being taken in demonstrating the City’s increased retail offer and value for money coupled with the advantageous Euro exchange this year for our Republic of Ireland shoppers”.

Car parking has been made easier for cross border shoppers this Christmas with all city centre car parks and the two main multi-storey car parks in the city accepting Euros. Additionally 150 car parking spaces have been made available at the Fort George site for a new Park ‘n Ride service. The facility is currently operating a Saturday and Sunday service until Sunday 19th December from 12pm - 6pm with the commencement of a daily service from Monday 20th until Christmas Eve.

In addition, there are three ATM machines in the city, which dispense Euro notes - Bank of Ireland at Waterloo place/ Strand Road, First Trust Bank at Meadowbank (beside Sainsbury’s), and the Ulster Bank at the Rock Road/Strand Road junction.

Fergal Rafferty, Manager of the Richmond Centre, said changes and expansions in the City’s retail offer have made the City an even more attractive destination for Euro shoppers this festive season.

“The City has seen significant changes over the past year which have included the opening of over 30 retail outlets and restaurants across the City. Together with many of the City’s shops offering an unbeatable Euro exchange rate, the ‘You’ll Love the Change’ campaign outlines our commitment to provide value and choice to shoppers from the Republic of Ireland,” he said.

Special hotel breaks have also been highlighted as part of the campaign to attract people to the City for shopping weekend breaks. Catherine O’Connor, Manager at the Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau, said,

“Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau has witnessed in 2004 an increase in out of state visitors including the Republic of Ireland. Events such as the One Big Weekend, City of Derry Jazz and Big Band festival and the Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival have enabled us to showcase the City as an ideal short break destination. With a two-night break including breakfast and dinner costing as little as €99.00 per person, the City has now become the perfect location for that Christmas shopping trip.”

“You’ll Love the Change” is supported by Derry City Council, Foyleside, Richmond Centre, Quayside and Lisnagelvin Shopping Centres, City Centre Initiative and the Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau, presents the changing face of the city in retail and tourism.

Christmas in the Walled City - you’ll love the change!!

ENDS

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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