More than 15,000 undergraduates ditched their books for shopping bags as they flocked to the Trafford Centre’s record-breaking Student Lock-in yesterday.
The third student night at the shopping, students earned massive savings at shops with freebies also on offer, while 18 live DJ’s also played sets as the city’s new arrivals were welcomed in style.
More than 7,000 students pre-registered for the event at one of the busiest shopping nights at the centre outside of Christmas – but the eventual attendance dwarfed that figure.
Caroline Aikman, Marketing Manager at the Trafford Centre, said: “Manchester is globally famous for its student population, so it made sense to introduce the centre in an exciting and appealing way.”
Students at the event were impressed with the atmosphere throughout the evening and took to Twitter to share their thoughts using the #intuStudents hashtag.
Wish Trafford centre had DJ’s and discounts all the time
— amy (@amypilling2) September 23, 2014
Such a good night at student lock in. Bought so much stuff! #intuStudents
— Coldplayer (@SophieJayneShaw) September 23, 2014
The event was supported by retail brands such as Selfridges, Calvin Klein, Superdry and New Look – with all shops seeing a boost as student loans went straight in the tills.
Students received up to 25% off from some stores and more than 7,500 dining offers were redeemed in the one evening.
Ms Aikman added: “Our stores reported huge takings during the evening with some taking 100% more than they projected, with rapid sales especially on fashion”
The ‘one night only’ student events will be happening at intu shopping centres all over the UK, bringing in an expected 100,000 students in total.
Roger Binks, Customer Experience Director of intu said: “The events will be even bigger, bolder and better than ever before.”
The Trafford Centre’s event was open to students from universities, sixth form colleges and those with a valid NUS card.
Image courtesy of Robert Lindsall with thanks
