City centre businesses are celebrating a massive win after the Dons’ Scottish Cup victory parade saw them net a huge boost in trade – in some cases up by fivefold.
Jubilant shops, bars, and restaurants have been feeding back to Aberdeen Inspired their delight at the economic impact of up to 100,000 fans flooding into the heart of Aberdeen to celebrate with their Hampden Heroes on Sunday.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired – the city centre Business Improvement District – said: “The joyous scenes we saw on Sunday were almost unbelievable – and so was the massive boost in trade it brought to city centre businesses.
“We have had some in the hospitality sector delighting in telling us their business was easily up fivefold from what they would normally expect on a Sunday. Their hope – and mine also – is that this will have a lasting impact.
“On Sunday we saw people flocking into Aberdeen from across the city and the shire – many of them who might not have come into town for a while. They will have discovered – or rediscovered - for themselves that Aberdeen is a vibrant, place with so much to see and do and so much going for it.”
Adrian said he was delighted to see businesses re-energised and enthusiastic again after what have been turbulent times for the city centre.
He said: “It would be great to keep the momentum going and that sense of euphoria. Fortunately, we have a chance to do exactly that when The Tall Ships Races arrive in Aberdeen in July.
“My hope is that we will see more crowds of happy, excited and jubilant people enjoying themselves at The Tall Ships while bringing another boost to the city centre’s economy.
“From there we can build on that positive spirit and can-do attitude, as people see what can be achieved when we all become ‘Team Aberdeen’.”
Many of the comments from businesses have been made to Aberdeen Inspired during their BID network meetings, being held this week, where levy-paying businesses get together to network and share news and information.
Several of those attending the Union Street BID meeting on Tuesday, March 27, were keen to share their experiences of Sunday and hopes for what will follow.
Gavin Paterson, general manager of the Douglas Hotel, which takes in Shiprow Village and the Royal Athenaeum Suites, said Sunday had been an “amazing day”.
He said: “The crowd was fantastic, and the Athenaeum residents were amazed at looking out their window in the morning and seeing all those people. Great credit to Aberdeen City Council for pulling it all together in such a short time.
“In terms of footfall it was huge. On Shiprow there were people everywhere and we had Ivy Lodge and Terrace open and it did very well as did Malone’s. In terms of business, it was five times as much as we normally do on a Sunday, so it was a massive boost for us.
“Bringing that crowd into the city, changed the whole vibe about the city and we need to build on that. Anything we can do would be great. Of course, we have the Tall Ships coming back and that will be hundreds of thousands of people coming in for four days. It’s going to be absolutely amazing.”
Kenny Bruce, centre manager with the Trinity Centre, agreed the euphoric atmosphere in the city centre was brilliant – and boost for the centre’s business, too.
He said: “Our car park was full, all our businesses were thriving – we actually saw a near 60% increase week on week.
“Nothing unites the city more than the team doing well and you can see that in the people Aberdeen there is willingness to see everything being positive. I think we can keep on the cusp of that and put the spark back into the city centre.”
Meanwhile, Chantal Necchi of La Lombarda at the Castlegate, said they opened the restaurant on Sunday, when it is normally closed, especially for the parade.
She said: “We pre-warned the chefs on Friday that if Aberdeen won on Saturday would be open on Sunday. When we got down on the Sunday morning the Castlegate and Castle Street was absolutely packed from early on.
“The atmosphere was absolutely electric. I knew it would be big but I never imagined it would be quite as spectacular on Sunday. Hopefully, we will get that with the Tall Ships, too.”
Other comments shared with Aberdeen Inspired by businesses included:
- “Fantastic weekend, the atmosphere was amazing! Great to see so many happy faces in the pub celebrating.”
Nikki Mile, Northern Bar - “35 years, 120 minutes, then penalties?! Wouldn't change it for the world... COYR! The smiles on customers' faces, the atmosphere in the streets and the sheer joy amongst all was a spectacle to behold. Full pubs and big smiles, what more could you ask for?”
Scott Lyall, Prince of Wales - “Great for the club and city. The atmosphere was electric. So many families and fans out celebrating in the pub which was great to see.”
Louise Ryan, Old School House - “The atmosphere generated from the Dons’ win was fantastic! The joy, the singing, the coming together of so many football fans to celebrate winning the Scottish Cup! The city centre and pubs were a sea of red, it was so great to see so much happiness! The pubs were mobbed, everyone got along, everyone had the same reason to celebrate! Great for the club, great for the city, great for the fans, great for the businesses!”
Paul McDonald, Ma Cameron's
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