Love the winner

It may have been 'war' at Millennium Stadium for the rugby, but 'love' was the winner at Queens Arcade.

While the exciting Wales vs Scotland match unfolded at the stadium, Welsh and Scottish-born promotional staff celebrated Valentine's Day in the Centre.

Queens Arcade welcomed supporters of both teams during Saturday’s Valentine’s Day promotion, joining in with the pre-match banter and excitement as fans made their way through the Centre.

And fans were not the only ones wearing their hearts on their sleeves.  Shoppers out and about looking for last minute Valentine’s Day goodies for their loved ones were able to find inspiration all over the Centre, whether it was the traditional jewellery or lingerie or the more contemporary personalised cookies being offered by Millies.

In addition the Centre had laid on an extra treat for shoppers in association with the Sunday Times Wine Club and had a promotional team on the Mall giving away a bottle of wine to every shopper who spent over £10 in any Queens Arcade store on Saturday.  And to add to the fun, two of the three promotional staff on duty were linked to the teams in the stadium.  Gorgeous Welsh girl Joanne is a dyed-in-the-wool Wales supporter and was keen for news and updates on the match as it progressed.  While Scottish-born (Englishman) Andrew was interested in the result, his real passion was getting something special for his graphic designer girlfriend waiting for their romantic evening.

Centre Marketing Manager Ceri Brockway was thrilled with the outcome, both at the rugby and in the Centre, “This was an excellent opportunity for Cardiff shoppers to enjoy a taste of something special, just for doing their shopping in the Centre on a certain date.  We were thrilled that Queens Arcade has been able to partner with such a prestigious name as the Sunday Times Wine Club and that our shoppers took up their offers in such numbers.

"Indeed we gave away 200 bottles of red and white wine and were also able to offer an exclusive £50 off 15 bottle case deal for some savvy customers who, I am sure, saw this as a great opportunity to stock up for forthcoming special events and family celebrations, as we gave out over 2000 vouchers for them to use.

“We were delighted that we were able to confirm this exclusive offer with the Sunday Times Wine Club as it is confirmation that as Cardiff rises up the UK retail hierarchy, it can attract premium brands and offers to the City for our customers.”

The Centre has plans throughout 2010 for further exclusive on-mall sales promotions which Ceri is certain will be of great interest for shoppers keen to get as much out of their shopping as possible during 2010.

“Along with our retailers, we appreciate that our customers experienced uncertain economic conditions during 2009 and in response to their continued support and loyalty, we are determined to make their 2010 shopping experience more exciting and rewarding.  Promotions with renowned brands like the Sunday Times Wine Club reassure our customers that they can be sure they can get the best possible product and deal available for whatever they need.”