Record-breaking turnout for Swansea’s Student Shopping Night
Record-breaking turnout for Swansea’s Student Shopping Night
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Swansea’s annual Student Shopping Night has reached new heights, with a record-breaking 4,600 students attending the city-wide retail event on Tuesday, 7 October, a 22% increase on 2024 and a 54% rise since 2023.
The event, delivered in partnership between the Quadrant Shopping Centre, Swansea Business Improvement District (BID), and Swansea Council–managed Swansea Market, continues to cement its reputation as one of the city’s most vibrant and engaging nights of the year.
More than 60 retailers and stallholders took part in this year’s showcase, offering exclusive discounts of up to 30%. Over 50 bars, local businesses, and live performers also contributed to the festival-style atmosphere across Swansea’s two key shopping hubs, the Quadrant and Swansea Market.
Andrew Douglas, Swansea BID Manager, said the event’s success demonstrated the growing importance of experience-led retail in boosting both engagement and the local economy.
He said: “This year’s event has once again exceeded all expectations. The continued growth in attendance highlights how important experience-led events like this are for students and businesses alike. It’s fantastic to see so many young people discovering what Swansea has to offer, while also driving significant economic benefit for our city centre.”
Jane White, Company Executive at Centurion, owners of the Quadrant Shopping Centre, said collaboration between retailers and local organisations was key to this year’s success.
She said: “Student Shopping Night is a highlight in the city calendar, and 2025 was our biggest and most successful yet. It was fantastic to see the collaboration between major retailers, independents, and hospitality businesses, all coming together to showcase the very best of Swansea. The strong sales performance across the board reflects the growing consumer confidence we’re seeing in the city.”
Councillor David Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Delivery and Joint Deputy Leader of Swansea Council, said the event continues to strengthen connections between students and the city centre.
He said: “Swansea Market continues to play a central role in city life, and events like Student Shopping Night, part-funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, help us connect with the next generation of residents and shoppers. The market’s food and social offering is particularly popular with students, and this event provides an excellent opportunity to build relationships that last throughout their university years and beyond.”
More than 50 local businesses helped bring the Quadrant and Market to life during the event, including AU Vodka, Bunkhouse Live Music Venue, Bambu, Bonnie Rogues, Buzz Trampoline Park, and Joe’s Ice Cream, among others.
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