City businesses enjoyed a windfall of cash over the weekend thanks to Celebrate Aberdeen and the Great Aberdeen Run.
Several shops and restaurants saw an increase of up to 30% in sales compared to a normal weekend as thousands flocked to the heart of the city.
The additional trade was a welcome boost to traders who have been hit hard by the oil downturn.
Julie Haig, owner of Haigs Food Hall, said: “We saw a significant increase in footfall over the weekend and we would like to thank the people of Aberdeen for coming out and supporting these wonderful events.”
Craig Duncan, who owns the Union Street McDonald’s franchise, added: “Sales at breakfast were more than double what we would expect on a normal Sunday and overall for the day there was an increase of more than 30%. It’s great to see these big events come to our city and hopefully we’ll see more in the future.”
Craig Willox, owner of Books and Beans, also saw a significant increase in trade which was also boosted by the substantial number of people who visited the Belmont Street Market.
He said: “This was the busiest weekend of the year for us so far. The Belmont Street Market on Saturday was even bigger than the one in July and looked even better attended. We also had a queue of people waiting outside before we even opened before the Great Aberdeen Run.”
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “To see the thousands of runners and well-wishers descend on our city over the weekend was very pleasing indeed.
“This success clearly demonstrates the growing ambition we have for this city and we look forward to welcoming even more runners for next year’s event as it establishes itself nationally as a ‘must attend’ event on the circuit.
“Of course, an acid test for my organisation is business feedback and the initial sounds from many of the retailers in the city centre has been very encouraging indeed.”
