All seven historic shopping arcades and other independent stores in the city have united for the inaugural City of Arcades Day on Saturday 16th November.
The day created by FOR Cardiff aims to boost trade for the independent city centre businesses in the lead up to Christmas.
Businesses are putting on special offers and activities throughout the day, alongside organised performances and events into the evening.
Shoppers can enjoy live music across the arcades curated by PYST, a fashion show in High Street Arcade and a Christmas Market in Dominions Arcade amongst other activities in stores.
The arcades, which include Wyndham, Castle, High Street, Duke Street, Royal, Morgan and Dominions have been attracting shoppers to Cardiff for over a century. Last year, FOR Cardiff launched a campaign to raise their profile and establish Cardiff as the City of Arcades.
The campaign was recently recognised by the International Downtown Association at its 65th annual conference in Baltimore, Maryland, with a Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence for promoting and celebrating the arcades and businesses within them.
Naomi Vaughan, founder and director of the Pretty Perfect Boutique, who is offering a 10 per cent discount on the day, said: “As a new business in Morgan Arcade, City of Arcades Day gives us the perfect opportunity to attract new customers and establish our brand. We love the arcades and we feel right at home amongst other specialist independent businesses.”
Artist, Jian Chen of Jian Chen’s Fine Art in Duke Street arcade, who will be giving away a free small-framed print for every sale over £30, said: “Having been voted one of the Top 10 stores during last year’s campaign, I’m really excited about the upcoming City of Arcades Day
“I count it a special privilege to have my own gallery in one of Cardiff’s historic Arcades, and I’m very grateful towards FOR Cardiff for raising awareness of the Arcades amongst local shoppers and visitors.”
Adrian Field, Executive Director of FOR Cardiff said: “The Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades and independent businesses are part of the fabric of Cardiff city centre. They offer a unique shopping experience like no other.
“City of Arcades Day is all about celebrating what they bring to the city and encouraging more people to choose Cardiff as their shopping destination. We’re thrilled to have so many businesses on board and we hope that by hosting events alongside special offers, they draw plenty of new customers in.”
Search for offers, activities and events on the City of Arcades website: www.thecityofarcades.com
