THE RETAIL attractions of Altrincham will be highlighted during the town's 'Shop Around Day' on Saturday.

There will be a host of attractions during the day, which will focus on 'the real shopping experience' campaign, currently being run by the North West Towns Consortium.

The event is being held just days before the opening of the Trafford Centre, a £600 million shopping and leisure complex.

There will be free face painting and balloons in front of Woolworths' store between 11am and 4pm. A special issuing session will take place with a bonanza give away of the town's loyalty card. The card is accepted in more than 100 shops, providing discounts and special offers to customers.

Town centre manager, Rebecca Nugent, says: "Shop around day is designed to make shoppers look afresh at what their town can actually offer in terms of retail choice.

"All too often the diversity of the shops we have in the town is overlooked. We want to build on the strong loyalty shoppers have for the town and to make them see a visit to the town centre is a 'real shopping experience'.

"We have one hundred free cards to give away on the day. The loyalty card is supported by an extensive range of shops, and in particular our independent and specialist stores, from jewellery, clothing and interior design to restaurants, travel and music schools. The card offers something for everyone."

Steve Cox, Woolworths' manager, who are sponsoring the day's activities, adds: "The loyalty card scheme is an excellent idea and fits in very well with the 'real shopping campaign'. The card highlights all the shops and services which make Altrincham different to other towns."

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