SUPPORT THE FIRST MAKE YOUR MARK FINALIST THIS WEEK IN THE MALL LUTON!

March 9th, 2010

mym-urnab-jewellery-023Luton shoppers are being encouraged to support Urban Jewellery, the first of four local finalists in the Make Your Mark in Retail 2010 competition, as the business trades for a nerve-wracking two week competition period from a retail merchandising unit (RMU) in The Mall Luton.

Urban Jewellery, an already well established business which has been trading in Luton’s Indoor Market for six years, will trade from the 1st to the 14th March 2010 from an RMU just outside WH Smith and JJB Sports in the shopping centre.

This bespoke jewellery and watch specialist is owned by 41 year old Habib Habchi. “The business began after my wife returned from a holiday in Turkey with a suitcase full of stunning jewellery. We wanted to share the beauty of the treasured Turkish stones, so we founded Urban Jewellery” explained Habib. The business started as a hobby but grew over the years, particularly after he diversified into watch repairs, jewellery repairs, jewellery re-modelling and watch battery replacement.

With an average footfall of approximately 420,000 in The Mall Luton per week and an RMU in a prime location, Habib is very excited about the opportunity to present his business to a larger audience. Whether or not he wins the competition, Habib still has big plans for the future, including launching an e-commerce site for his products, “like all businesses, I still hope to expand, and if I can use the internet for my business then I believe I still have more to give” he explains.

The other three finalists from The Mall Luton are: Plumbun from Luton, Humbers Homemade from Flitwick, and Inanna from Radlett. The Mall Luton received 15 entries in total, more than any other Mall in the UK, and the judges had a very difficult job narrowing it down to only four.

These four local finalists now have to compete against each other by completing a successful two week trading period on an RMU in the shopping centre. The contestants get to use the unit free of charge, whilst the judges evaluate them for their sales success, customer service and retailing skills. After these two weeks of trading the winning finalist from The Mall Luton will go through to the national heat. The overall prize consists of over £15,000 in business support including 6 months free trading in The Mall Luton and much more. The local winner will be announced on 13th April 2010. However, whether or not they win the competition, each finalist gets an invaluable opportunity to maximise exposure of their business.

Urban Jewellery will continue to trade from its location in the Luton Indoor Market throughout the competition and can be contacted on 01582 402 979.

Ends.
Notes to Editors:

The Make Your Mark in Retail competition gives entrants the opportunity to test their business on a Retail Merchandising Unit (RMU) and the outstanding candidate is rewarded a ‘retail start up package’ that includes:

• Six months rent free trading on an RMU
• Hands on support from The Mall
• A business mentor from The Royal Bank of Scotland
• A place at the British Shops & Stores Association Summer School at Keble College Oxford
• A place at the National Skills Academy Retail Masterclass

The Mall is the leading owner and operator of community shopping centres in the UK. The Mall currently owns 19 shopping malls throughout the UK and sees around 4 million shopping visits a week. The Mall Fund is a specialist property fund managed by Capital & Regional. Aviva Investors is Fund Manager.

The Mall, Luton houses over 120 retailers and sits in the heart of the town centre in Luton. The £20m redevelopment of The Mall Luton, due to end autumn 2010, is currently taking place to remodel the St. George’s Square end of the centre. The redevelopment will provide over 75,000 sq ft of high-quality new shopping, with cafes and restaurants opening onto the recently redeveloped square.
The Mall is committed to Luton as a major destination and is confident this development will provide the best possible shopping experience. The business has already secured TK Maxx as an anchor tenant in this new development.

Visit www.themall.co.uk - Shopping as it should be

This press release has been written and distributed by Flowing Ink. For more information or images please call Danielle on 01582 487223 or email danielle@flowingink.co.uk.

www.flowingink.co.uk.

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GIANT BUTTERFLIES AND CARD CREATIONS FOR SPECIAL MUMS AT THE MALL LUTON

March 2nd, 2010

sienna-nicolson-4-and-mum-angela-baldwinThe Mall Luton was buzzing with creative children last Sunday, as 110 local kids attended February’s Funday Sunday Kids’ Club! The children had a wonderful time cutting, sticking, colouring-in and taking photographs to create personalised cards to give to their mums this Mother’s Day.

The Mall Luton provided the space and the materials (plus the messy paint and glue of course!) to ensure that every child took home a card they could be very proud of.

Lavinia Holland, Marketing Manager at The Mall Luton said “It was lovely to see so many children having such fun making cards for their mums. Mother’s Day is a brilliant way to reward all those busy mothers who do so much for their families and don’t often get a ‘thank-you’!”

Funday Sundays take place on the last Sunday of each month between 11am and 4pm at The Mall Luton. The next event is on Sunday 28th March, where children will be celebrating Easter and the new release of Alice in Wonderland film. In true Luton tradition, kids will be able to make their own “Mad Hatter” hat! All children are invited and there is no cost to join.

Ends.

Notes to Editors

Notes to editors:

Funday Sunday takes place between 11am and 4pm
Other dates for The Mall, Luton, 2010 are:

Sunday 25 April
Sunday 30 May
Sunday 27 June
Sunday 25 July
Sunday 29 August
Sunday 26 September
Sunday 31 October
Sunday 28 November
No club December

Images

Photo captions: Sienna Nicolson aged 4 from Dunstable and Sienna Nicolson with Mum Angela Baldwin.

For high resolution versions of these images contact Danielle at flowing Ink on 01582 487223 or email Danielle@flowingink.co.uk.

The Mall

The Mall is the leading owner and operator of community shopping centres in the UK. The Mall currently owns 19 shopping malls throughout the UK and sees around 4 million shopping visits a week. The Mall Fund is a specialist property fund managed by Capital & Regional. Aviva Investors is Fund Manager.

The Mall, Luton houses over 120 retailers and sits in the heart of the town centre in Luton. The £20m redevelopment of The Mall Luton, due to end autumn 2010, is currently taking place to remodel the St. George’s Square end of the centre. The redevelopment will provide over 75,000 sq ft of high-quality new shopping, with cafes and restaurants opening onto the recently redeveloped square.
The Mall is committed to Luton as a major destination and is confident this development will provide the best possible shopping experience and has already secured TK Maxx as an anchor tenant in this new development.

www.themall.co.uk – Shopping as it should be…

For further information on Funday Sunday events contact Charmain French or Katie White on 01647 277 588/9

This press release has been written and distributed by Flowing Ink. For more information contact Danielle Tarren at Danielle@flowingink.co.uk.

www.flowingink.co.uk

Ref: TMLMR/010

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A REWARDING SUCCESS THIS WEEKEND FOR SHOPPERS AT THE MALL LUTON!

March 2nd, 2010

disney-reward-me-event-023Last weekend almost 1000 shoppers signed up for a Reward ME card – an exclusive discount card for shoppers at The Mall Luton which is designed to support local retailers. Each lucky shopper that picked up a Reward ME card also entered a competition to win a family holiday to Disneyland Paris! Plus, they took home a free goody bag, got a 10 minute neck massage, had the option of face painting for their kids, AND got to meet “Professor Crump” the stilt walker!

With pink balloons and even pink carpet rolled out, the weekend was one big success for the local shopping centre and its shoppers. The 979 shoppers who signed up for a Reward ME card now get exclusive discounts and offers at their favourite shops including BB’s Coffee and Muffins, Republic, Blue Inc, Delphine Alexander Bridal Shop, Thorntons and Goldsmiths.

For shoppers who missed out on last weekend’s activity, it is not too late to take part. Next weekend there will be more excitement, with attractions planned in The Mall Luton all weekend! If anyone cannot wait until then to sign up for their Reward ME card, then they can visit the Ask Me point, which is located outside Debenhams on the ground floor, or they can click online at www.themall.co.uk to sign up. Plus they will automatically be entered for the Disneyland Paris competition. There are so many rewards, so little time!

Lavinia Holland, Marketing Manager of The Mall, Luton said, “This weekend was absolutely fantastic and it was great to see so many people sign up for the Reward ME scheme. We like to reward our customers as much as we can and this is one of the simplest way of doing so – and it’s free to sign up! Don’t forget to join us next weekend for another two days of fun and freebies!”

Over 20 retailers in total are involved in the Reward ME scheme and members of the card are emailed the latest promotions so they can keep up to date with what is going on at their local shopping centre. For full details and a list of current offers visit http://www.themall.co.uk/rewardme.aspx or phone the Ask ME point at The Mall Luton on 01582 412 636.

Ends.

Notes to Editors

Images

For high resolution versions of these thumbnails contact Danielle at Flowing Ink on 01582 487223 or email Danielle@flowingink.co.uk

For more information about Reward ME or winning a trip to Disneyland Paris visit http://www.themall.co.uk/rewardme.aspx.

The Mall
The Mall is the leading owner and operator of community shopping centres in the UK. The Mall currently owns 19 shopping malls throughout the UK and sees around 4 million shopping visits a week. The Mall Fund is a specialist property fund managed by Capital & Regional. Aviva Investors is Fund Manager.

The Mall, Luton houses over 120 retailers and sits in the heart of the town centre in Luton. The £20m redevelopment of The Mall Luton, due to end autumn 2010, is currently taking place to remodel the St. George’s Square end of the centre. The redevelopment will provide over 75,000 sq ft of high-quality new shopping, with cafes and restaurants opening onto the recently redeveloped square.
The Mall is committed to Luton as a major destination and is confident this development will provide the best possible shopping experience and has already secured TK Maxx as an anchor tenant in this new development.

Visit www.themall.co.uk - Shopping as it should be

This press release has been written and distributed by Flowing Ink. For more information or images please call Danielle on 01582 487223 or email danielle@flowingink.co.uk.

www.flowingink.co.uk.

Ref: TML/MR009

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WHAT A WEEKEND! KIDS’ CRAFT FOR MOTHER’S DAY & FREE MASSAGES AT THE MALL

February 19th, 2010

mall-monster-clubWhatever the weather, there will be something to warm the heart in The Mall Luton next weekend (Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th February). Following the tremendous success of last month’s Funday Sunday Kids Club, which attracted over 200 children, The Mall is inviting local children to come and take part in the Mothers’ Day activities on Sunday 28th February. Every child will be able to make a beautiful card for their mum, and take away some free goodies. The Funday Sunday events are completely FREE and children will also get the opportunity to get their photograph taken with a giant butterfly!

To add to the excitement, The Mall is also celebrating the relaunch of its popular RewardME card. Over 20 retailers are now offering exclusive discounts or offers with the card, which means local shoppers can pick up fantastic savings simply by registering for their free RewardME card at the Ask Me Point, just outside Marks & Spencers.

There will be masseuses and face painters on hand to reward shoppers that sign up for a RewardME card over the weekend- plus there will be fantastic goody bags and entertainment.

In addition, one lucky shopper could win the chance to take their family to Disneyland Paris as part of the RewardME promotion. The campaign ties in with Disneyland Paris’ “new generation” festival which launches in April and features exciting new Disney shows and attractions.

“Mother’s Day is on Sunday 14 March this year, so our Funday Sunday event is the perfect opportunity for children to make something really special for their mums” says Lavinia Holland, Marketing Manager of The Mall Luton. “Mother’s Day is a brilliant way to reward all those busy mothers who do so much for their families and don’t often get a ‘thank-you’! In fact, we’re encouraging dads, grand-parents, aunts and uncles, to give mothers an early Mothers’ Day present – by bringing the children along to Funday Sunday so Luton’s mums can have an extra hour in bed!”

Ends.

Notes to editors:

Photo call - Sunday 28th February, 1pm

Funday Sunday takes place between 11am and 4pm
Other dates for 2009 are:

The Mall Luton

Sunday 28th February
Sunday 28 March
Sunday 25 April
Sunday 30 May
Sunday 27 June
Sunday 25 July
Sunday 29 August
Sunday 26 September
Sunday 31 October
Sunday 28 November
No club December

The Mall

20 Malls located at the heart of local communities across the country, from Aberdeen to Southampton. Home to over 1,800 retail units, our Malls cover 7.3 million sq ft and attract 4 million shoppers every week of the year.

www.themall.co.uk – Shopping as it should be…

For further information on Funday Sundays - contact Charmain French or Katie White on 01647 277 588/9

This press release has been written and distributed by Flowing Ink. For more information contact Danielle Tarren at Danielle@flowingink.co.uk.

www.flowingink.co.uk

Ref: TMLMR/008

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Family Fun at The Valentine’s Day Showcase of Local Businesses at The Chiltern Hotel

February 16th, 2010

img_4118Love really was in the air on Saturday night (13 February 2010), as three local businesses showcased their services to 250 delighted guests at a Valentine’s night celebration at The Chiltern Hotel, supported by Toni Patti from the Breakfast Show on Sunrise Radio.

Designed to demonstrate the high quality conference and wedding facilities and services available from The Chiltern Hotel, Shobhas (Luton) Limited and Eastern Touch Weddings, the evening was a huge success. Luton catering company Shobha’s, owned by local business woman Shobha Sharma, provided the food which included Italian and Chinese dishes in addition to the Asian food that Shobha is famous for.

Eastern Touch, from Ramridge Road, dressed the banqueting suite with star-cloth and roses, creating a thoroughly romantic atmosphere. The three businesses invited past and potential clients to the event, but tickets sold out within days, and over 400 tickets were actually requested. People travelled from Northampton, Watford, Milton Keynes and London to be at the event, with one family taking 70 tickets.

Shobha Sharma, Managing Director of Shobha’s (UK) Ltd said “This has been a brilliant event for us. The evening was great fun, especially with Tony Patti leading the dancing and games! Many people prefer to celebrate Valentine’s day with their whole family, not just as a couple, and we were delighted that so many people decided they wanted to be with us.”

Shobha’s (UK) Ltd has been producing the finest Asian cuisine since 1991, freshly preparing all their food in their kitchens in Luton. They provide catering for weddings and corporate events across the UK, and offer a range of Italian and Chinese food to complement the delicious Asian dishes the company is famous for. Shobha’s range of high quality frozen meals can be found in supermarkets and retailers around the world.

Ends.

Notes to Editors:

For more information about this media release contact Danielle Tarren at Flowing Ink at danielle@flowingink.co.uk or call 01582 487 223.

For more information about Shobha’s (UK) Ltd visit www.shobhas.com.

For more information about the Chiltern Hotel visit www.chilternhotel.co.uk.

For more information about Eastern Touch visit www.etouchweddings.co.uk.

This media release has been written and distributed by Flowing Ink.

www.flowingink.co.uk

Ref: SC/MR006

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DISNEYLAND® PARIS GIVEAWAY FOR SHOPPERS AT THE MALL, LUTON

February 15th, 2010

mall-luton-logo1This week, The Mall Luton is launching a fantastic competition in conjunction with Disneyland Paris that will offer one lucky Luton shopper the chance to take their family to Disneyland Paris. The campaign ties in with Disneyland Paris’ new generation festival launching in April, where guests can experience exciting new shows and attractions

To win the magical holiday prize, shoppers should fill out entry forms in The Mall or on The Mall website at www.themall.co.uk. Competition entries close on 13 March.

The competition coincides with the relaunch of The Mall Luton’s ‘Reward Me’ loyalty card; a free membership scheme that entitles shoppers to exclusive reductions and offers on anything from cinema tickets to coffee, fashions to gifts. Throughout the next few weeks there will be entertainment and free giveaways for any shoppers signing up to the scheme.

Lavinia Holland, Marketing Manager at The Mall Luton, comments “This amazing competition will give one lucky family a chance to celebrate with a great family holiday. It’s a fantastic prize and we’re delighted to be working with Disneyland Paris to reward our valued customers in this way.

“At The Mall Luton, we know how important it is to feel special, whether that’s in a new outift or with the coolest new technology. If we can make that shopping experience even more rewarding with an exclusive discount on your purchase, then all the better – and that’s what the ‘Reward Me’ card is all about!”

End.
Notes to Editors:

The Mall is the leading owner and operator of community shopping centres in the UK. The Mall currently has assets of approximately £1.3bn in 18 shopping malls, establishing The Mall as the UK’s community shopping centre brand. The Mall is home to approx 2,000 retail units and sees nearly 4 million shopping visits a week. The Mall Fund is a specialist property fund managed by Capital & Regional and Aviva Global Investors.

Visit themall.co.uk - Shopping as it should be…

Disneyland Paris – new generation festival
A new generation of Disney stars and stories are landing for one year only at Disneyland® Paris from April 2010 as part of the new generation festival. New visitors will be able to join the festival-fun at the all-new shows and parades - where Princess Tiana will jazz up the Once Upon a Dream Parade, and gourmet chef Remy will drive guests wild with excitement in Disney’s Stars ‘n’ Cars. Visitors will be able to choo-choo-choose which star to meet first on the Disney all stars express and at Monsters Inc. Scream Academy - shriek n’ greet like no other! Finally, guests will gather in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle for a true Disney showstopper finale - an all-singing, all-dancing, all-together perfect end to the perfect day. The Disney new generation festival might only last a year but your all-new memories will last a lifetime!

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Love, Romance, Marriage and Fab Shoes! All at the Heart Wedding Fayre at The Mall on Valentine’s Day

February 8th, 2010

bridal-mall-09-thumbnailIf you are getting married, are hoping to get married, or simply love shopping for fabulous things, you will find the perfect way to spend Valentine’s weekend at the Heart Wedding Fayre at The Mall Luton.

Taking place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th February 2010, there will be over 16 stands including bridal wear, balloons, jewellery, solicitors, car and limousine hire, wedding planners, slimming clubs, photographers and even sweet and candy stores – everything a modern bride needs to make her special day absolutely perfect.

In 2009, over 200 brides attended and the team at The Mall is anticipating that the event will be even bigger and better this year.

The wedding fayre is supported by Heart FM, and Babs from the Gaz & Babs breakfast show will be live in the shopping centre on Saturday and Sunday, providing music and entertainment throughout both days.
Some of the local businesses supporting the Wedding Fayre are Delphine Alexander Bridal wear, Fine and Candy, Debenhams and Flowers by Benita to name but a few.

End.
Notes to Editors:

The Mall is the leading owner and operator of community shopping centres in the UK. The Mall currently owns 19 shopping malls throughout the UK and sees around 4 million shopping visits a week. The Mall Fund is a specialist property fund managed by Capital & Regional. Aviva Investors is Fund Manager.

The Mall, Luton houses over 120 retailers and sits in the heart of the town centre in Luton. The £20m redevelopment of The Mall Luton, due to end autumn 2010, is currently taking place to remodel the St. George’s Square end of the centre. The redevelopment will provide over 75,000 sq ft of high-quality new shopping, with cafes and restaurants opening onto the recently redeveloped square.

The Mall is committed to Luton as a major destination and is confident this development will provide the best possible shopping experience and has already secured TK Maxx as an anchor tenant in this new development.

Visit www.themall.co.uk - Shopping as it should be

This press release has been written and distributed by Flowing Ink. For more information or images please call Danielle on 01582 487223 or email danielle@flowingink.co.uk.

www.flowingink.co.uk.

Ref: TML/MR006

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THE CLOCK IS TICKING. DON’T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO WIN FREE RETAIL SPACE AT THE MALL LUTON

February 5th, 2010

mall-luton-logoThe deadline of 14 February 2010 for the Make Your Mark in Retail competition is fast approaching, and The Mall Luton is encouraging small businesses and budding entrepreneurs to submit their entries as soon as possible. With a top prize worth over £15,000, including six month’s rent-free retail space, one national winner could expand their business, or get it off the ground, with virtually no out-goings.

The competition is the perfect opportunity for entrepreneurs with new products to sell, retailers who want to test their sales strategies with consumers before opening a shop, or small businesses that want to expand. In addition to prime trading space, the winner will receive free business banking for two years, access to a business relationship manager for advice about financial decisions, a free place on the National Skills Academy Retail Masterclass, and a free place on the exclusive BSSA Oxford Summer School which is always fully booked and operates an extensive waiting list.

Make Your Mark in Retail is part of a national competition organised in partnership with Natwest, Enterprise UK and The National Skills Academy. It was first launched in November 2007 to help support and grow new business in Malls across the UK. Last year, the overall winners were chosen from the applicants at The Mall Luton, and the team in Luton is eager to see a local entrepreneur be successful again in 2010. Terry and Janis Loran from Toddington, last year’s winners, noticed a gap in the market for personalised merchandise for special occasions. Aged 59, Terry was made redundant and decided to enter and set up “Initially Yours”, proving that it is never too late to start your own business.

His wife Janis explains: “The competition was definitely well worth entering. Provided you adopt the right attitude and are prepared to put in the effort, Make Your Mark in Retail may just make a real difference to your business and your life.”

Brian McFarland, General Manager of The Mall Luton agrees: “This is a competition that really could change someone’s life. So many people dream of working for themselves but don’t have the money or experience to even get their ideas off the ground. This competition allows people to test their business or products without taking huge risks, and with a tremendous amount of support from a network of expert advisors. We were delighted when Terry and Janis won last year, and we know that there are lots of local people with the ideas and enthusiasm to equal this success in 2010.”

End.

Notes to Editors:

The Mall is the leading owner and operator of community shopping centres in the UK. The Mall currently owns 19 shopping malls throughout the UK and sees around 4 million shopping visits a week. The Mall Fund is a specialist property fund managed by Capital & Regional. Aviva Investors is Fund Manager.
The Mall, Luton houses over 120 retailers and sits in the heart of the town centre in Luton. The £20m redevelopment of The Mall Luton, due to end autumn 2010, is currently taking place to remodel the St. George’s Square end of the centre. The redevelopment will provide over 75,000 sq ft of high-quality new shopping, with cafes and restaurants opening onto the recently redeveloped square.

The Mall is committed to Luton as a major destination and is confident this development will provide the best possible shopping experience and has already secured TK Maxx as an anchor tenant in this new development.

Visit www.themall.co.uk - Shopping as it should be

This press release has been written and distributed by Flowing Ink. For more information or images please call Danielle on 01582 487223 or email danielle@flowingink.co.uk.

www.flowingink.co.uk.
Ref: TML/MR005

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Counterfeit Goods on the Web: PriceMinister leads the way in Europe

February 4th, 2010

logo_en2PriceMinister, a prominent online marketplace in the UK and the leading e-commerce website in France, has recently announced a market leading strategy to protect consumers from counterfeit products, making it one of the safest places to buy on the internet.

In November 2009, statistics in the fourth edition of the CtoC study of PriceMinister/LaPoste by OpinionWay showed that there is more pressure from European consumers for protection against fake goods:
• 36% of shoppers believed that the fear of counterfeiting has limited the amount of ecommerce on the internet (or a 1% increase compared to 2008)
• 26% of shoppers expect better protection against counterfeiting on the internet (or a 9% increase compared to 2008).

PriceMinister, an organisation with an already fierce policy against fake products, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in December 2009 with Christine Lagarde, Minister of Economy in France, to fight against counterfeit goods on the internet, in partnership with luxury brands and professional associations from around the globe.

The MoU, the first of its kind in Europe to associate online marketplaces and various industries including luxury, high technology and sporting goods, was drafted by Bernard Brochand (MP) and Professor Pierre Sirinelli, and creates a framework of cooperation between websites and rights holders to implement tools to identify and fight the selling of counterfeit products on the internet.

Before this MoU, PriceMinister has established an Anti-Counterfeiting Guarantee which gives consumers more information about counterfeiting on the internet and protects them from such products.

“We welcome the signing of this MoU, which is evidence of the protection that PriceMinister has given consumers, users and brands for several years;” said Pierre Kosciusko-Morizet, President and cofounder of PriceMinister, “collaboration between all parties remains the most effective fight against counterfeiting on the internet.”

In recognition of the work done by PriceMinister, the company was presented with an award by the Global Anti-Counterfeiting Group (GACG) for its actions against counterfeiting at the Global Anti-Counterfeiting Awards held on June 16th 2009.

PriceMinister also participates in the work currently underway within the European Commission, which is rolling-out similar action across various European countries.

The measures implemented by PriceMinister to date have ensured that 98% of all counterfeit products detected were never visible on the site. The subsequent number of accounts that PriceMinister has blocked, has also increased. During 2008, PriceMinister blocked 2625 accounts due to infringement or violation of selective distribution networks. This figure was up 45% compared with 2007.

On all invoices submitted by vendors suspected of counterfeiting:
- 41% of sellers reported being supplied from other online marketplaces
- 25% reported having procured the property directly from a Chinese website, 13% from a supplier in France.
- 10% said that the product was a gift.

In 2008, 59% of counterfeits detected by PriceMinister concerned the fashion industry. This included clothing, leather goods, watches, perfumes and cosmetics. Electronics (including phones, MP3 players, software, etc.) represented 37% of counterfeits. However items like books, puzzles and toys were not as affected.

More importantly, 2008 was marked by a strong growth in high-tech counterfeiting with an increase of +170%, against an increase of 13% for fashion.

Apple products were top of the list of fake products identified in 2008, followed by perfumes, Microsoft and then Nike. The top twenty on the list were:
1. Apple
2. Perfumes
3. Microsoft
4. Nike
5. Sony
6. Nokia
7. Playboy
8. Chanel
9. Dolce & Gabbana
10. Burberry
11. Ralph Lauren
12. Diesel
13. Adidas
14. Yves Rocher
15. Armani
16. Nintendo
17. Sandisk
18. Lacoste
19. DVDs
20. Hugo Boss

Launched in France in 2001, and employing over 200 people, PriceMinister also operates rapidly growing operations in Spain, Belgium and Switzerland. Founded by Pierre Kosciusko-Morizet, Pierre Krings, Justin Ziegler, Nathalie Gaveau, and Olivier Mathiot, it has seen three-digit growth since the business started, and is aiming to be in the top five UK sites by the end of 2010. In December 2009, the site had over 10.3 million members and offered more than 130 million products for buying or selling. Many new customers have been attracted to PriceMinister due to the tough stance the organisation takes against counterfeit goods.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

For more information please contact Erica Tennant at Blueclaw Media Ltd at erica@flowingink.co.uk or call 01582 487 223.

Price Minister – Your premier Online Marketplace for Books, Clothing, Electronics and Music.
For more information about PriceMinister visit www.priceminister.co.uk

Ref: PM/MR004

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MORE THAN 200 CHILDREN VISIT THE MALL IN CELEBRATION OF CHINESE NEW YEAR

February 2nd, 2010

left-to-right-aleena-10-esha-4-aryan-3-ella-louise-6-ayalina-7-all-from-luton-copyThe Mall Luton’s Funday Sunday Kids’ Club got off to a roaring start in the Year of the Tiger, as over 200 children participated in the Chinese New Year celebrations on Sunday. The children enjoyed lots of themed activities including making oriental lanterns and tiger flags - all for FREE. In addition to creating these wonderful, exotic art pieces to take home - each of them also received a free Chinese calligraphy tattoo stickers as a gift.

“The kids loved learning about Chinese New Year and the Year of the Tiger. And this was a wonderful way to kick start the first Kids’ Club,” said Lavinia Holland, Marketing Manager of The Mall Luton. “I was very pleased to see so many children enjoy it.”

“According to the Chinese zodiac, those born in the Year of the Tiger are courageous, fiery and, like a cat, are graceful and always land on their feet – and this really inspired the children that attended. Some of our Chinese visitors were delighted to share their enthusiasm and gave us some insight into their culture. The kids were really interested to learn that 2010 sees the Chinese New Year starting on 14th February, and unlike the way we celebrate New Year’s in England, the Chinese celebrate it for over a period of 2 weeks, using the time to visit and share meals with family and friends.”

Funday Sundays take place on the last Sunday of each month between 11am and 4pm at The Mall Luton. All children are invited to attend and there is no cost to join. The next event is on Sunday 28th February, where kids will be having their photographs taken and placed into a personalised card, to make a very special gift for Mother’s Day.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Images
The thumbnail image above shows from left to right: Aleena 10, Esha 4, Aryan 3, Ella-Louise 6, Ayalina 7. All parental permissions have been obtained for reproduction in the press. For a high resolution version please contact Danielle at Flowing Ink on Danielle@flowingink.co.uk.

Dates
Funday Sunday clubs will take place between 11am and 4pm. Other dates for 2009 are:

Sunday 28th February
Sunday 28 March
Sunday 25 April
Sunday 30 May
Sunday 27 June
Sunday 25 July
Sunday 29 August
Sunday 26 September
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The Mall
The Mall is the leading owner and operator of community shopping centres in the UK. The Mall currently owns 19 shopping malls throughout the UK and sees around 4 million shopping visits a week. The Mall Fund is a specialist property fund managed by Capital & Regional. Aviva Investors is Fund Manager.

The Mall, Luton houses over 120 retailers and sits in the heart of the town centre in Luton. The £20m redevelopment of The Mall Luton, due to end autumn 2010, is currently taking place to remodel the St. George’s Square end of the centre. The redevelopment will provide over 75,000 sq ft of high-quality new shopping, with cafes and restaurants opening onto the recently redeveloped square.

The Mall is committed to Luton as a major destination and is confident this development will provide the best possible shopping experience and has already secured TK Maxx as an anchor tenant in this new development.

Visit www.themall.co.uk - Shopping as it should be

This press release has been written and distributed by Flowing Ink. For more information or images please call Danielle on 01582 487223 or email danielle@flowingink.co.uk.

www.flowingink.co.uk.

Ref: TML/MR004

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