RETAILERS across Manchester city centre saw a 100 per cent increase in footfall at last week’s Vogue Fashion’s Night Out.
“To host this event instead of London has been fantastic and really shows Manchester is a mecca for fashion. It was a wonderful evening for both local people and visitors alike and has been a real boost for the local economy.”
Over 160 city centre shops, bars and restaurants took part in the shopping event which saw shoppers spend late into the night and attend a range of events, including special appearances by designers Christopher Kane, Jonathan Saunders, Julien Macdonald, Matthew Williamson, Erdem, Henry Holland and Roksanda Ilincic, alongside fashion shows, DJ sets and exclusive trend parties.
This was the first time the UK leg of the global shopping event has ever been outside of London and statistics aside, it was clear to all in attendance that this was possible the busiest night of shopping the city has ever seen.
Official figures releases by The Heart of Manchester BID, which worked with Vogue to Manchester, revealed footfall was up by 118 per cent on King Street, 107 per cent in Exchange Square and 87 per cent on New Cathedral Street, compared to the same time the previous week.
Figures reveal the number of shoppers peaked at 6pm with footfall staying well above average across the city until after 10pm. At peak times, Exchange Square, Market Street and New Cathedral Street saw over 4,000 shoppers descend on each location.
The night kicked off with British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman and the rest of the Vogue team at Hugo Boss on New Cathedral Street. Activity started early in the day at many venues, with Boohoo’s iconic pink bus parking up on Market Street and Vogue Eats, a one day food festival on King Street, selling hot and cold food by local traders to hungry shoppers from 11am – 10pm.
The biggest retail event of the year rounded off in style with a free semi-acoustic live set from Manchester artiste JJ Rosa in the intimate surroundings of St Ann’s Church in St Ann’s Square.
Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester City Council’s city centre spokesperson said: “To host this event instead of London has been fantastic and really shows Manchester is a mecca for fashion. It was a wonderful evening for both local people and visitors alike and has been a real boost for the local economy.”
To see all the pictures from the evening, visit the Vogue Fashion's Night Out 2013 gallery.
