PRESS RELEASE

You’ll love the change this Christmas

24th November 03

“You’ll Love the Change” is the message from retail, business and tourism representatives today as they prepare to launch a new Christmas campaign for the city. Supported by Derry City Council, Foyleside and Richmond Shopping Centre, City Centre Initiative and Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau the campaign aims to present the changing face of the city in retail and tourism.
The campaign builds upon the euro friendly campaign launched in 2002.

Launching the initiative the Mayor, Cllr Shaun Gallagher said this is a positive development that can only add to the growing reputation of the city as a regional centre.

“This campaign is an opportunity to present changes in the city in a way that is accessible to the public and which will encourage everyone to think differently about the city. It is hoped that through the campaign we can increase the number of shoppers and visitors coming into the city over the Christmas period and any initiative that contributes to developing business for the city should be supported”.

Central to the “Love the Change” campaign is an interactive web site that encourages businesses and the public to send in their comments and views on changes in the city. The website www.lovethechange.co.uk not only provides up-to-date information on shopping, parking and Christmas events it also begins to map the recent changes in retail and tourism that can encourage more shoppers and visitors to the city.

Stephen Kelly of the City Centre Initiative said it was an opportunity for all businesses to get involved, “ Through this initiative we want to record the largest to the smallest changes and to assist City Centre Initiative will be encouraging everyone to think differently about their business this season. From the introduction of a new product line to a multi-million pound investments we want to put together a comprehensive picture of what the city centre has to offer at this time”.

Already the city has announced additional car parking for Christmas and more late night shopping than before. The completion of Debenhams, the opening of Mexx, £1m investment at Austins along with numerous new shop re-fits all indicate a positive change in the city.

Des Farrell, Manager with Foyleside Shopping Centre said that all efforts to bring in new business to the city should be supported. “This is an opportunity to show the city at its best and we are hopeful that it will encourage more euro trade through highlighting the value and choice the city has. It’s a strong and positive campaign that will make a difference”.

Catherine O’Connor, Manager of the Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau said that through this campaign both tourism and retail could benefit. “This campaign is a strong initiative which sends out a positive message about choice in the city. We are particularly interested in building upon our euro business and this campaign is a perfect way of mixing euro business and pleasure!”

The campaign launched today will be updated daily to bring customers up-to-date with the latest developments in the city. The site provides information on parking, shopping center opening times, events, park n’ride information and changes in the city retail offer. The site also has information on special one and two night breaks to encourage visitors from all parts of Northern Ireland and Ireland to sample Derry during this festive season.

We hope to make the site as comprehensive as possible to visit www.lovethechange.gov.uk and tell us what you think!

For further information please contact 028 7137 6504

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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