Perth city centre’s largest employer has voiced his support for the council’s contentious Christmas party plans starring chart-topper Peter Andre.
A row erupted this week when it emerged Perth and Kinross Council chiefs were paying an undisclosed sum to the Mysterious Girl singer to headline their traditional switch-on ceremony next weekend.
While many say the Australian star will draw thousands to the city, helping deliver a welcome financial boost, others have questioned the local authority’s decision.
Some traders argue that money spent on Andre’s performance fee would be better put elsewhere and claim that, while droves of families may well be lured into the centre, they won’t be spending their money in local shops.
Fashion designer Kairen Ruse, who has run her South Street boutique for 12 years and counts Judy Murray amongst her customers, said she was disgusted that the council had booked “vulgar character” Andre, rather than someone from the local area.
There are also concerns that a festive market, scheduled to run in the high street for four weeks, could take trade from established stores.
Now John Bullough, who owns the independently run McEwens department store, has defended the event, placing himself firmly in the Team Andre camp.
“The future of our city centre is dependent on attracting footfall, it’s that simple,” he said. “Gone are the days when families regularly come into town centres to shop.
“The internet, direct mail and out-of-town shopping have changed the way people view their high streets.”
He said: “We are all destination retailers: We strive to offer a level of consumer experience that attracts our customers to come back again and again.
“Perth City Centre needs to become a customer experience in itself.
“We have fabulous shops, world class cafes and restaurants to attract a day-trip customer,” he said. “There is potentially over 4million customers within a day-trip distance of Perth. But for a really successful, thriving and bustling city centre, this is not enough.”
Mr Bullough said that other UK cities, including Norwich, Chester and York, had successfully brought in business with their busy events calendars. “Interesting, unique and exciting events are absolutely integral to the success of our city centre,” he said. “We, as stakeholders, should not moan unnecessarily about specific events but wholeheartedly support the council in driving footfall to our businesses.”
He said that last year’s Christmas lights show, hosted by TOWIE star Mark Wright, was one of Perth’s most successful events. “I’ve never heard of the fellow that switched the lights on, but if there were 90,000 folk that joined in the fun and games then that’s great for Perth.
“It was a night-time event, so the immediate benefit was obviously felt by the night-time economy, but it’s the wider benefits for Team Perth that must be considered,” he said. “A successful event in Perth raises our city’s profile. The vibrancy that it creates makes Perth a more attractive place to live, work and locate your business to.”
The council has refused to say how much it is paying for Andre’s performance. The line-up for Saturday’s event also features disco giants Boney M and Britain’s Got Talent finalists Jack Pack.
While Andre will perform at the show, the lights will be switched on by Provost Liz Grant.