Students across the county took over Poole town centre on Monday evening (September 26) as the Dolphin Shopping Centre hosted its annual student night.
Thousands lined up to get into the indoor shopping centre, with queues stretching down the high street and into the bus station.The night aims to welcome students to the area with exclusive discounts, competitions and giveaways.
Many of the biggest high street brands, including New Look, River Island, Animal, Accessorize, Body Shop, Dorothy Perkins and Burtons stayed open after hours and offered students a range of discounts. Other retailers such as Primark and Boots engaged with customers by offering in store competitions, beauty demonstrations and goody bags.
Commenting on the evening, New Look’s deputy manager, Natalie Cotter said: “This is a great event for New Look and we’re pleased to be a part of it. We had a consistent amount of sales throughout the evening.”
For Beales it was the first-time they had introduced a student discount scheme and deputy store manager, Sam Dean said: “Our new student discount has been well received and it’s great that the initiative will remain on-going. Beales is keen to accommodate all generations and it offers the key essentials for students including; homewares, makeup and clothing.”
Al and Maxine from Fire Radio provided entertainment and filled the shopping centre with the latest hits. Plus a selection of free games were also on offer including a giant scalextric, ping pong and air hockey.
John Grinnell, centre manager at the Dolphin Shopping Centre, added: “The response we have received over the past four years has been overwhelming; it’s great to hold an event which supports both students and retailers.”
“With all the students arriving at the start of the new term, it’s the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of the shops here at the Dolphin Centre and what the town of Poole has to offer.”