Celebrate Freeport Fleetwood’s 20 Year Anniversary

Freeport Fleetwood Celebrates By Inviting Shoppers To Submit Their Pictures And Anecdotes For Use In Celebratory Memory Wall

Freeport Fleetwood shopping outlet is celebrating its 20 year anniversary by inviting customers to submit their anecdotes and special memories in the form of stories, videos or images of visits to the centre from the past 20 years to help it compile a special memory wall which will be erected in the Centre.

The centre opened its doors back in 1995 on the site of the former Wyre Dock with brands including Regatta, Double Two  and Hallmark .  It has come a long way since then and is enjoying a highly successful trading period as it continues to go from strength to strength in terms of brands on site and an increased number of shoppers who visit on a regular basis.

To help with the celebrations the outlet is inviting the local community to submit pictures, videos or stories of their best memories at the centre over the past 20 years.  From shopping selfies, to first-shoe-fittings, prom-dress-picking trips, McDonald’s first dates and even classic catch-ups in Costa; whatever the memory, story or snapshot, the Centre management team wants to see it.   The submissions will then be used to compile a striking memory wall which will launch at the centre’s Best of British event on 12th September.  Stories and images can be submitted via Facebook and Twitter (@FleetwoodOutlet) using the hashtag #FFis20 or by email at: [email protected].

Freeport Fleetwood has also seen generations of families flow through its workforce including current employees Michelle Clixby and her mother, Irene.  Irene has worked at Pavers Shoes at the centre since it opened 20 years ago and Michelle has been working at the centre since February 2000 where she started working in the then outdoor leisure department.  Michelle now works in the centre management office.

Commenting on the 20-year anniversary Michelle said: “Freeport Fleetwood is part of our family as both me and my mum have worked here for such a long time.  It’s such a great atmosphere and we genuinely look forward to coming into work every day.  The 20 year celebrations, especially the memory wall, are a great way to encourage everyone to get involved and submit their memories of the centre – whether it’s a first date which eventually led to a wedding, or simply someone buying their favourite ever pair of shoes we would love to hear from the local community.”

Centre Manager, John Magee, said: “I have only been here for a year but I already have so many special memories.  Plus it’s great to hear the stories from staff like Michelle and Irene who have been here such a long time.  The memory wall will enable us to celebrate 20 years along with our customers and I can’t wait to hear and see all the memories that are submitted.  The Wall will be launched October half term?? Is that too late??  so everyone has  weeks to send us their submission.

“The birthday celebrations will culminate in our second Best of British event on Saturday 12th September which will be a great big party for staff and customers to enjoy!”

To commemorate this special landmark in its history, earlier this year Freeport Fleetwood worked with the local community to create the Fleetwood Heritage Trail. The trail is formed of 22 boards which explore the area’s attractions and commemorate Fleetwood’s rich heritage. Subjects covered by the trail include the history of the town, the birth of the fishing industry, birds that can be seen in the area, shipwrecks and famous people from Fleetwood.

The mini heritage attraction has been installed on the marina fence that runs through the Freeport Fleetwood site.  The artwork is a permanent fixture and is accessible, free of charge, during the centre’s opening hours.

For more information visit@FleetwoodOutlet #FFis20 http://facebook.com/fleetwoodoutlet   http://www.freeport-fleetwood.com/