Shop til you drop

May 12 2008 by Hannah Davies, The Journal

Vicky Pepys gets Northumbria’s clued-up fashion students to unearth the city’s shopping gems as part of Tyneside’s shopping festival.

DONE any shopping recently? Wait till the end of the month and you might get more than you bargained for with the ‘The Big Shop’ the North East’s first (with plans for more) major shopping festival.

With all high streets throughout the land being mirror images of each other, each city faces challenges in being able to offer something unique to attract that important cash-rich retail tourist but keep those at home happy. We’ve got most of the major high street retail chains and department stores; each new signing, re-fit or flagship development heralds a new confidence in the region, and hobby rather than necessity shopping shows no signs of abating even in our current belt tightening economic situation.

We’re known as loving ‘names’, designer and brand, and shopping is as much of a sport here as football.

The Big Shop organisers Tourism Tyne & Wear and NewcastleGateshead Initiative are keen to show us and our neighbouring regions that this is the place to visit and shop till you drop.

No need to take day trips to Leeds and Manchester, London or Edinburgh and even go online… a giant PR and marketing exercise certainly, designed to give our retailers a bit of a boost, but do we have anything special to warrant this Big Shop attention?

First-year students of the brand new BA Hons Fashion Communication course at Northumbria University, which will create fashion PRs and marketers of the future, are already observing the subtle points of difference which points to some stores being clear winners over others.

Here are the shops they think are shining examples of what Tyneside has to offer...

Joseph Dunstone, 19, from Leeds, chooses Cruise, Princess Square.

"Cruise offers a unique range of higher profiled names in the fashion industry and an experience like no other on the local high street. It caters for all ages and offers an exclusive view into some of the catwalk’s major collections like Y3 through to Gucci and Paul Smith. Because of the nature of the brands offered you feel like you are ‘high status’ shopping; the friendly staff make you feel welcome whether you buy or not."

Danielle Wood, 19, from Yarm, is impressed with Mannequin in Eldon Garden.

"Mannequin is primarily a ladieswear store, but it sells fun gifts and a range of accessories with a hint of femininity and colour. It’s in the ‘quieter’ Eldon Garden location, which is reflected in the atmosphere of the shop; it’s spacious and tidy which makes shopping a real pleasure and the staff provide a high standard of service with a clear passion for the products. Any purchase you make is carefully wrapped and placed in a signature pink bag."

Alice Barnes, 20, from South Shields, values Vivienne Westwood on Hood Street.

"I think the best shopping experience in the North East is Vivienne Westwood. It has already made headlines as Newcastle’s first stand alone designer shop, bringing in a whole new clientele.

"It stocks a good range of womenswear, menswear and accessories and perfume, including the Gold Label, and the staff are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The whole shopping experience is fantastic from the visual merchandising through to purchasing; your buys are stunningly presented in Vivienne Westwood shopping bags. I think this is the start of things to come in the North East."

Ria Parkin, 20, from Norfolk, admires Attica, Old George Yard

"This was an easy choice for me to make. Attica is a real treasure trove of vintage clothes and furniture.

"I can always find something to lust after and take great pleasure in knowing that every piece is unique.

"This shop is really special, an oasis of beautiful things. My favourite item I have bought so far is a beautiful 1950s flowered pill box hat which I am going to wear to a wedding this summer.

"I think Newcastle is a great city and the shopping just keeps getting better.

"I like the MetroCentre for everyday buys, it’s great having all those shops under one roof, but it’s the smaller, independent shops in Newcastle that I really love, they offer an alternative to the high street and a chance to be a bit different."