On Thursday 7th October, for the first time, Cardiff’s historic arcades are opening after-dark in a new shopping experience, A Night with the Locals.
After another challenging year for many retailers, the University of South Wales set a brief for its students to devise a campaign to help boost the profile of the stores in Cardiff’s arcades.
The winning concept was coined by University of South Wales Fashion Promotion student, Rebbeca Villis (23), which will see Cardiff’s Morgan Quarter bring ‘A Night the Locals’ to life.
The event will celebrate independent and exclusive retailers and showcase the people behind the stores that make the arcades so special.
Rebecca Villis said: “One of my first jobs after leaving school was in Sobeys Vintage Clothing in Royal Arcade, so when my university set a brief to create a campaign that celebrates the independent retailers and arcades, it was something I felt really passionate about bringing to life.”
For one evening only, the Morgan and Royal Arcades will be opening after hours – until 8pm – providing shoppers with exclusive discounts across a range of retailers, including Cardiff’s leading contemporary jewellers Brooklinde Jewellers, acclaimed bridalwear store, Laura May and vintage clothing store, Sobeys.
The event will also see performances by Cardiff-based vocalist and songwriter Aisha Kigs, and jazz duo Philanthrophy Jazz. Food will be on offer throughout the evening from Uncommon Ground, and The Queer Emporium will be serving up drinks.
With The Queer Emporium becoming a permanent tenant in the Morgan Quarter in August this year, Founder, Yan White, has helped create a city centre space for Cardiff’s LGBTQ+ community.
Yan said: “Many independents have found it really hard over the past two-years, so initiatives like ‘A Night with the Locals’ creates an opportunity to bring back a lost sense of community, and we’re excited to play our part in that.”
“A Night with the Locals not only shines a light on the local people and businesses, but also celebrates emerging creatives and homegrown talent who are putting Cardiff on the map. It’s an opportunity for everyone to come together to uncover some of the city’s hidden gems”, Rebecca added.
