Leaders of Hull city centre’s retail community launched their joint Christmas campaign with a call for businesses to work together.

In partnership with Hull BID they unveiled a package of activities designed to attract families and they promised shoppers the best festive attractions the city has seen.

 “This is when businesses can make the fat that will help them through the lean times,” said Mike Killoran, Manager of the Princes Quay Shopping Centre.

“In the coming weeks some retailers will record 60 per cent of their annual turnover and take 50 per cent of their annual profits, so it’s very important that the citizens of this region do their shopping here.”

Pete Barber, Manager of the Prospect Centre, said: “These are challenging times and we are doing our best to overcome that by putting on our own attractions. It’s up to the main shopping centres and Hull BID to ensure the city maximises the potential of the festive season.”

Hull BID is working with Hull City Council and other organisations to support large and small operators, national and independent retailers, in the build-up to Christmas.

“Christmas is all about families, that’s the bottom line,” said Jim Harris, Manager of St Stephen’s Shopping Centre.

“The important thing is to attract families, and as a city we are second to none when it comes to that.”

Kathryn Shillito, City Centre Manager of Hull BID, said: “Hull has a great mix of retailers who have invested significantly in the city, from the three major shopping centres and the national chains to the high quality independent traders.

 “What we are trying to do is promote what they have to offer and provide the attractions that will bring people into the city centre.”