City shops open their doors to weekend trade
IN a push to encourage shopping in the City, the Royal Exchange and Leadenhall Market will open this Saturday and Cheapside will be pedestrianised.
This will be the first time Cheapside has been open for business on a weekend in over a century.
Over 150 stores will be trading, with many offering discounts and complimentary treats in an attempt to tempt customers to pass up the West End and out-of-town malls in favour of the recent City developments.
Businesses in the pedestrianised area will also host special seasonal activities, including ice-skating at Bow Churchyard, a Christmas Fair and various festive performances.
The Royal Exchange will be home to a giant music box, which will open every hour for a performance by a snow queen ballerina.
The weekend plans are part of the Cheapside Initiative, a drive to make the traditional City thoroughfare a retail destination.
“This event will provide a truly unique shopping experience and the chance to indulge in the City’s rich cultural and heritage offer,” said Ruth Duston, director of the Cheapside Initiative.