Large crowds and long queues have formed across the Liverpool ONE shopping complex as students take advantage of a one-day exclusive shopping event. Over 70 retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues are participating, offering significant discounts to those with a valid student ID.
The event, timed for Freshers' Week, has seen barriers and railings put in place on streets like Paradise Street and Wall Street to manage the high volume of shoppers seeking deals of up to 50% off.
Key Takeaways
- A one-day student shopping event is taking place at Liverpool ONE.
- More than 70 brands are offering exclusive discounts, some as high as 50%.
- Shoppers must present a valid student ID to access the offers.
- The event has resulted in significant queues throughout the shopping centre.
Widespread Discounts Drive Student Turnout
The annual student event at Liverpool ONE has once again proven to be a major draw, attracting thousands of students to the city centre. The promotion covers a wide range of categories, including fashion, beauty, technology, dining, and leisure activities.
Retailers are offering substantial price reductions for a limited time, prompting many to line up early to secure bargains on everything from clothing and footwear to electronics and cosmetics. The scale of the event highlights the importance of the student population to the city's retail economy, particularly at the start of the new academic year.
Understanding Student Shopping Events
These types of events are common in UK cities with large student populations. They are strategically held during or just after Freshers' Week to capture student spending as they set up for the new term. For retailers, it's a key opportunity to build brand loyalty with a new generation of consumers.
Top Retail Offers Available
A significant number of high-street brands are participating in the event. The discounts are tiered, with many offering a standard 20% off, while others provide even larger reductions or special gifts with purchases.
Fashion and Footwear Deals
Clothing and shoe stores have some of the most prominent offers, which has led to some of the longest queues. Key deals in this category include:
- Boux Avenue: 25% off
- Levi’s: 25% off
- Dr. Martens: 20% off
- Footasylum: 20% off
- New Look: 20% off
- Office: 20% off
- Schuh & Schuh Kids: 20% off
- Size?: 20% off
- The North Face: 20% off
- Under Armour: 20% off
- Urban Outfitters: 20% off
- Vans: 20% off
- Superdry: 10% off (plus a free tote bag for the first 100 customers)
Health, Beauty, and Gifting Promotions
Cosmetics and fragrance retailers are also a major focus for student shoppers. Many are offering percentage discounts, while others have introduced multi-buy deals or complimentary gifts.
- MAC: Tiered discount - 15% off one item, 20% off two, 25% off three.
- Rituals: 20% off (plus a free gift with a £35 spend for the first 100 customers).
- The Perfume Shop: 20% off
- Kiehl’s: 15% off (with complimentary analysis and samples).
- The Fragrance Shop: 15% off
- The Body Shop: 10% off (plus a goodie bag with a £25 spend).
- John Lewis & Partners: 10% off Beauty department only.
Did you know? According to market research, students represent a significant portion of consumer spending in university cities. Events like this are designed to capture a share of their initial term-time budget, which often includes spending on new clothes, homewares, and social activities.
Food, Drink, and Entertainment Discounts
Beyond retail, the student event extends to Liverpool ONE's extensive food, drink, and leisure offerings. Restaurants are providing major discounts on food bills, and entertainment venues have special rates to attract students looking for social activities.
Dining Offers
Many popular restaurant chains are taking part, with some cutting food bills by as much as half.
- Bem Brasil: 50% off food
- Byrom: 50% off
- Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza: 30% off
- Smoke & Dough: 25% off
- The Real Greek: 25% off main menu food
- Wagamama: 25% off
- YO!: 25% off
- Barburrito: 20% off food
- Cosy Club: 20% off
- Las Iguanas: 20% off
- MyCookieDough: Buy one get one free
Leisure and Entertainment Deals
For students looking for activities, several venues have reduced their prices for the day.
- Flight Club: 33% off
- ODEON: 20% off MyLimitless membership
- Gravity MAX: 15% off
- Junkyard Golf: £6 tickets
Other Store Updates at Liverpool ONE
In separate developments within the shopping complex, two prominent venues have temporarily closed their doors. These closures are unrelated to the student event.
British jeweller Ernest Jones on Lower South John Street is currently undergoing refurbishment. A notice on the storefront informs customers that the shop is scheduled to reopen on Saturday, September 27.
Additionally, the Nando’s restaurant in the Galleria area of Liverpool ONE has also closed for a longer period. Hoardings are in place, and a notice directs customers to the nearest branch at Queen Square. The company has confirmed the closure will last for over a month, with a reopening planned for late October.