A new campaign has been launched to encourage Bath residents to get ahead of the crowds and make the most of the opportunity to shop in the city.
The campaign, ‘Your City Your Time’, will draw attention to the range and variety of shops which include all the major brands as well as a very high proportion of Bath independents renowned for their unusual gift selections.
It’s being funded by the Bath Business Improvement District with support from Bath Tourism Plus. Bath BID Manager Andrew Cooper said this is the time of year that Bath really comes into its own.
“Bath is fortunate to have such a thriving retail scene with wonderful independents and all the top brands. This year we are prompting people who live in or near to the city to get out shopping before early to make the most of all the new range of gifts in store, as well as beating the festive rush. The Christmas Lights will be switched on by Mary Berry on 12th November marking the official start of the festive shopping season.”
Christmas is a time for sharing so shoppers will be invited to share their great finds and top tips to create a real sense of the Christmas community. Bath shoppers will be encouraged to tweet their best buys and top tips as well as ask for advice and gift suggestions… #askbath. The “gift genie” will be on hand to help and make shopping time productive and fun
Nick Brooks-Sykes, CEO Bath Tourism Plus said: “Visitors come from far and wide to view Bath at its most festive but it is sometimes taken for granted that Bath is the region’s most beautiful shopping destination. Living in a World Heritage city means that there is no need to travel far to find a place to shop with character and style as well as that seasonal atmosphere and magical sense of anticipation.”
The Christmas lights switch on by Mary Berry on 12th November marks the start of the Christmas shopping period.
Not only does the city have great gift shopping but Bath is also well served with fashion stores for anyone set on finding a new outfit for the festive celebrations. Shoppers are reminded of all the other elements that make Bath such a desirable city including the diversity of cafés and restaurants, a regular Park & Ride service with extended hours during the pre-Christmas season, a timetable of late night shopping and the fact that Bath is compact and walkable and less exhausting than an enclosed shopping mall.
To thank locals for supporting “Your City Your Time” there is the chance to win some great prizes including pampering time at Thermae Bath Spa, an experience voucher from Boots, a delicious Waitrose hamper, plus great prizes from SouthGate and Milsom Place. Anyone shopping in Bath from 12th to 30th November is eligible to enter the prize draw, simply pick up a form when you are shopping in Bath.
For further information and competition details please visit www.bathatchristmas.co.uk