Waterford Chamber

Its official, Christmas In Waterford will be one of the busiest and best ever. That is according to the 2009 brochure and website, which was officially launched on Friday 4th December. The launch took place as part of a live WLR FM Oliver Carroll outside broadcast from the Ballybricken area of Waterford City.

20,000 brochures have been printed and will be distributed as part of a massive multi-media press, web and radio campaign promoting Waterford this Christmas. The joint project by Waterford Chamber, Waterford City Council and the Waterford City Centre Retailers Association is part of an overall strategy to boost retail and hospitality in the City Centre this festive season.

It has been announced that Q-Park, the operator of the Clock Tower car park, has joined the city centre car parking initiative. This will add to the spaces currently being provided by the City Council, New Street car park and The Glen car park.

A spokesperson for the initiative said, “The fact that we now have four car parking providers all contributing towards attracting shoppers into the city centre is simply fantastic. There is huge merit in all parties working together to bring shoppers into the city centre over the Christmas period and beyond. With three private providers as well as the City Council all offering a discount, this means that there will be a huge choice for all members of the public seeking reduced car parking this festive season. With the switching on of the Christmas lights this Friday, the return of the carousel and the imminent launch of Christmas in Waterford campaign we hope to see a greater footfall in the City this festive period.”

The retail industry in Waterford city has undergone significant change over the past number of years which includes the ongoing entry of large national and international retailers to the market. Coupled with the current economic slow-down, the city centre faces challenging times as a shopping destination. According to Anne Marie Caulfield, Chair of the Chamber Retail and Hospitality Committee, “It is critical for future planning of the retail offering in Waterford that we understand what the customer wants and identify how to deliver on that expectation.”

Attention all style gurus and fashionistas! Waterford Fashion Week will take place in the city centre from 10th - 14th November.

Organised by Waterford Chamber’s Retail & Hospitality Committee, the Fashion Week will feature four fashion shows to be held in various venues in the city centre. Professional models from Prima Model Agency will tread the catwalks in gorgeous clothes, fabulous shoes and lots of glitz.

Anne Marie Caulfield, Chair of the Retail & Hospitality Committee commented, “Waterford Fashion Week will showcase Waterford as the shopping capital of the South East with its fantastic range of clothes shops, hair & beauty salons and much more.”