There was a real spring in everyone’s step when our Style Squad recently caught up with shoppers on their reasons for visiting us and telling us all about the purchases they made!
There was a clear sign of summer on the horizon as people were browsing the stores for holiday wear and making a visit to the travel agents too, like Barrhead Travel, TUI and Hays Travel to get insights into trending holiday hotspots this year, with places like Montenegro and Northern Spain high up on the ‘go-to’ list.
Some shoppers had just returned from their Easter holidays and were enjoying what’s left of the school break with a day out shopping and enjoying a bite to eat too!
With a great variety of over 150 stores and restaurants to choose from, including M&S, Flannels, River Island, Build-A-Bear, Wingstop and Nando’s, there’s something for everyone at The Centre, Livingston!
With so many fantastic trends this year, including bold stripes and botanical-inspired patterns in homeware and bohemian styles, effortless tailoring and polka dots in womenswear, it has never been a better time to refresh your wardrobe and your home just in time for warmer climes!
On our monthly walk round there really was a mixed bag of visitors for us to catch up with, ranging from a couple shopping for books in Waterstones to a family of three generations shopping for new holiday outfits.
As a thank you to everyone for sharing their stories with us, they were all surprised with a £25 Gift Card to treat themselves.
First up on our radar was student Daisy McCafferty from Bathgate, who loves browsing the stores, including H&M and River Island, and when it comes to dining out, Nando’s is definitely top of her list for lunch.
“Living so close to the shopping centre makes it really easy for me to pop in and pick up what I need.
“Today I treated myself to new pyjamas from M&S, which always has a great range to choose from.”
Next up to chat to was Kacey and Kheil Thorn from Linlithgow, who like to visit the shopping centre to pick up the latest books in Waterstones from their favourite authors, including James Islington.
Kacey said: “We really enjoy coming to the shopping centre, which is usually to browse for new books and pick up something nice to eat from M&S. We don’t live far away, so we tend to pop in regularly.
“It was such a lovely surprise to get a £25 Gift Card which we’re planning to use in one of the cafes – it definitely made our day!”
At The Centre, Livingston there is a wide mix of places to refuel with a well-earned drink and tasty treat, including Costa, Starbucks, Muffin Break, Dnisi and NowNow Café, which has gluten-free and vegan options.
We were delighted to catch up with dental nurse, Roxie Gibb from Armadale, who was looking for an outfit for the Scottish Grand National in Ayr. She managed to get some jewellery in her favourite store, Primark, and just needed to find the perfect dress.
“I really enjoy a trip to the shopping centre, even when I don’t have anything specific to buy – it is always such a nice day out, especially with friends, and when we go for lunch.”
It was lovely to meet Lisa and her daughter in River Island, who were browsing the kidswear range for new summer clothes. Whether it’s for a special occasion or everyday wear or refreshing your littles one’s wardrobes, you’re guaranteed to find what you are looking for in their very trendy new spring/summer collection.
“My daughter and I really enjoy shopping and today was extra special when we received a £25 surprise Gift Card from The Centre, Livingston – we were over the moon.
“After picking up some jeans and flip-flops in Primark, we decided to see what River Island has for kids – and we are never disappointed. There is always some really lovely pieces. Next up is treat time in Costa.”
Last up on our walkabout of the shopping centre to chat to was with Amanda Gill from Livingston who was shopping for new clothes in her favourite stores, including M&S, River Island and H&M, for her upcoming holidays to Majorca and, later this year, New York, which she’s really excited about as it will be her first time visiting the city.
“With The Centre, Livingston on my doorstep, it makes it really easy to nip in regularly, and being an avid shopper, it’s perfect for a nice handy day out. I did have a list of bits and pieces to get today, especially for my holidays, including some new tops in M&S, which never fails – it is where I always manage to find what I’m looking for.”
When it comes to dining out with the family, Amanda’s favourite eatery is Las Iguanas. “Everyone loves tapas, so it’s always a win-win when we go!”
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “Spring is definitely in the air just now and bringing with it a lovely buzz in the shopping centre as visitors enjoy perusing the stores to tick of their wardrobe refresh list and holiday wear.
“We always enjoy chatting to our shoppers and hearing their stories around their reasons for visiting us and even more so when we surprise them with a £25 Gift Card to buy something special or put towards a nice meal.”