At The Centre, Livingston, one of Scotland’s largest shopping centres, there was a fantastic festive buzz in the air when our Style Squad team caught up with visitors.
The mall, which has been transformed into a winter wonderland, was alive with the energy of shoppers eagerly ticking off their Christmas present lists and treating loved ones to special birthday days out.
With over 150 fantastic shops and restaurants to choose from, including M&S, River Island and H&M, alongside popular dining spots like Wingstop, wagamama, and Las Iguanas, it is the ultimate one-stop destination for getting everything you need under one roof.
As winter settles in, shoppers are focusing heavily on wrapping up to brave the colder climes while staying effortlessly stylish.
Our Style Squad team spotted visitors checking out the latest seasonal fashion trends, from heavy oversized coats and chunky knitwear to weather-resistant boots designed for maximum warmth and protection.
Whether updating a personal winter wardrobe at H&M and River Island or hunting for premium thermal layers at M&S, local trendsetters are proving that dropping temperatures are the perfect excuse for chic, layered outfitting.
Beyond winter wardrobe purchases, lots of shoppers were starting to tick off their Christmas lists with everything from beauty gift boxes at stores like Boots, Lush and Rituals and classic board games at Menkind to jewellery from Pandora and the latest plushies from The Entertainer.
To spread a little extra seasonal cheer in the run-up to Christmas, we were delighted to surprise some shoppers with a £25 Gift Card to treat themselves to something nice.
First up on our radar was dental nurse and marketing student, Amber Jackson, from Bathgate, who was shopping with her friends at M&S after enjoying a coffee and cake in the café at the weekly Parent & Baby Morning.
Amber said: “We love coming to The Centre, Livingston especially on a Tuesday when we always nip into M&S for a hot drink and free cake. It’s a lovely way to catch up with each other and spend time with our friend’s new baby.
“We tend to make a bit of a day of it and get bits and pieces we need or just wander through the shops and see what catches our eye. On my list this week is refreshing my work clothes, which I always managed to do easily in M&S and H&M, which I really like too.”
Next up to chat to was student Zettie Poklemba from Livingston who was shopping with her friend in Lush, which his one of her favourite stores. Zettie treated herself to the Botanomancy Bubble Bar, packed with real dried lavender, rose petals and peppermint leaves.
Zettie said: “I was delighted to be stopped by the Style Squad team at The Centre, Livingston who surprised me at the till in Lush with the offer to buy my bubble bar – which was so kind!
“The manager also popped some complimentary gifts into my bag too, including a Candy Cane bubble bar and Magic Wand bar which is part of the Snow Fairy range – it really made my day.”
It was lovely to catch up with Rae, Alex and Senga who were enjoying a day out to celebrate Alex’s birthday, with a very important, high priority visit to Cake Box for his all-time favourite Black Forest Gateau.
“Senga said: “We love a visit to the shopping centre but today was extra special as we celebrated Alex’s birthday.
“Now that we have the cake, it’s time to do a bit of shopping at M&S, which is always at the top of our list for stores to pop into, as they have a fantastic collection of clothing to suit every occasion.
“Rae and I also like to pop into Primark when we visit, as we tend to pick up some lovely bargains.”
We had a great time catching up with college students and joiners, Aidan, Zac and Anthony, who gave us a peek into their purchases from JD Sports – which is the largest store in Scotland.
Aidan said: “We love shopping in JD Sports, especially at The Centre, Livingston as it is such a big store with a wide selection of all our favourite ranges and some limited edition ranges too.
“I managed to pick up Unlike Humans joggers and hoodie, which I’ve had my eye on for a while.”
When the group of friends are not studying or working, or shopping, they like to treat themselves to a bite to eat at Wingstop or Nando’s.
Last up on our radar to chat to was administrator, Louise Young from Bathgate, who was shopping in Søstrene Grene for cards and gift boxes. At this time of year, the store is a treasure trove of beautiful Christmas decorations.
From their iconic glowing porcelain village houses and LED star string lights to intricate braided paper stars and Christmas tree candles, these affordable pieces capture a charming and personal festive styling feel.
Louise said: “Søstrene Grene is one of my favourite stores at The Centre, Livingston – there’s so many lovely homeware pieces and Christmas decorations, which are a bit different and really stand out.
“I love popping into Flying Tiger too and River Island, which is great for special occasion outfits.”
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “Christmas is always our absolute favourite time of the year, and there is a brilliant energy around the shopping centre just now.
“Whether its parents tracking down this year’s must-have toys or shoppers wrapping up warm in the latest winter fashion, it’s fantastic to see our visitors ticking everything off their festive checklists under one roof.
“It has also been incredibly special to spread a little extra festive cheer this year by surprising some of our wonderful shoppers with a Gift Card to treat themselves.”
