Rising footfall and ringing tills were key features of a HullBID Fashion Week hailed as the best yet by organisers and retailers.
A finale held at Paragon Interchange created a real buzz for thousands of trend-setters and travellers alike and topped off a terrific week of activities throughout the city centre.
Footfall figures revealed an increase in the number of visitors to many city centre shopping streets, and businesses reported an upsurge in interest.
“Having held the finale very successfully in Holy Trinity Church for the last two years we wanted to try something different and we were rewarded with a remarkable event,” said Kathryn Shillito, HullBID City Centre Manager.
“Paragon Interchange was a fantastic setting for the finale, pulling in the crowds and springing a surprise on a few people who had no idea the event was on and who had just turned up to catch a train or a bus!
“There was great variety among the other events held during Fashion Week and they were also very well attended. Footfall in the city centre throughout the week was higher than in the previous week and helped ensure that the figures for April were up on the same period last year, with significant increases in King Edward Street, Prospect Street and Brook Street.”
Jane Nixon, owner of the Something Special bridal-wear boutique in Brook Street, marked Fashion Week with a display of wedding gowns through the ages.
“We displayed gowns dating back to the 1950s in our windows, we served tea and cake and we had a lot of interest from customers and from passers-by,” said Jane.
“The display became a real talking point with people telling us of their memories of their own wedding days from years ago.
“We also displayed some of our dresses on the catwalk in the finale at Paragon Interchange and that was a really well presented event in a lovely setting.”
Kelly O’Neill, Manager of Hair@Quayside, took the gamble of inviting the Fashion Week crowds to “make us an offer” and subsequently experienced her busiest week since opening in November.
“We had a brilliant week and we’ll definitely do it again,” said Kelly.
“The lowest offer we received was £1.25 from one woman for a haircut. She was only messing around but we rejected it anyway! Some people actually paid more than the normal price because they enjoyed themselves so much.
“Word got round and that helped to bring in a few new customers so hopefully we looked after them well enough to attract them back.”
Picture: Karl Andre 2013
