A Perfect Day at House of Fraser
Shoppers in Oxford St got more than they bargained for while window shopping in House of Fraser on Saturday with not one, but FOUR free gigs...yes you guessed it, from our fabulous four finalists of Retail Trust Search For A Star. Mark Heyes, GMTV’s celebrity stylist, hosted the event and used his fashion-prowess to style to the girls in outfits, courtesy of House of Fraser. Nicola, Leanne, Victoria & Louise treated the staff to a private show first thing in the morning, then throughout the day, entertained passing shoppers with five songs chosen by you, the public, plus a group version of Lou Reed’s Perfect Day. One lucky spectator scooped £200 of House of Fraser vouchers. See photos from the event. Are you our next star? Sign up to receive info here.

Helpline has a record day

The Retail Trust Helpline 0808 801 0808 reached a record number of calls last week and as helping people is the whole core of Retail Trust’s being – to look after everyone in retail – we are some closer to achieving our goal.  The Helpline is entirely confidential, independent and free, and the team who answer the calls are incredibly well informed about all our services and they can also signpost to other organisations where necessary. We help a multitude of people every year in various different ways - see some people we've helped here. You can call the Helpline on 0808 801 0808, text to 88010* or email the Helpline.

*Only for UK. Standard network rates apply.

Taking Extra Care of Derby

A celebration on 17 March will mark the opening of Cedar House at the Leylands Estate in Derby. The £9 million investment includes the newly refurbished Community Hall and the historic Eborn House plus brand new facilities including a restaurant, bar, hairdressers, shop, bowling green, library and activity rooms. The Mayor of Derby will unveil the commemoration plaque to residents, VIP guests and retailers including Morrisons. The investment has made it possible for Retail Trust to regenerate the 1950s estate into affordable high quality Sheltered and Extra Care flats that enable residents to live independently. Read more about the investment at Derby.

T5 was on trend with Nicola Cassells
Nicola Cassells, our own Retail Trust Search For A Star Winner, from H. Samuel in Ayr, wowed the crowds at Heathrow’s Terminal 5 as part of the World Duty Free (WDF) fashion event. Nicola opened the fashion show, stopping travellers and holiday makers in their tracks with her rendition of Bring Me to Life before enjoying the Christian Audigier fashion show. She also closed the show with Time to Say Goodbye and was then styled to the nines by Bobbi Brown. A live performance at T5 and a makeover from Bobbi Brown were just two of the fabulous prizes won by Nicola, Winner of Retail Trust Search For A Star 2011. The day was filmed by Fashion TV and will be broadcast throughout WDF stores. See some photos here or read more about it here.

An Evening with Retail Trust...

Manchester born model and actress Alex Leigh will be attending the ‘Champagne, Chocolate & Diamonds’ event at Harvey Nichols on 24 March, which is attracting top retailers and their suppliers in the North of England. Alex will be modelling the Theo Fennell Diamond ampule, (worth £1800) and other prizes up for grabs are: a £500 Kiehl’s beauty hamper courtesy of House of Fraser, a £100 Liz Earle beauty gift pack donated by John Lewis and an appetising meal at Harvey Nichols Manchester. Another special guest, chocolatier Chantal Coady, will be demonstrating all luxurious things chocolate. And of course the champagne will be flowing…a limited number of tickets still available to book here.

In the swing of things

The championship courses at Woburn Golf Club will provide the notable setting for the Retail Trust Golf Day on 22 April to entertain clients and network with retailers and suppliers, while making a big difference to your industry charity. Both proficient and amateur golfers return year on year for this annual event and their reactions give us reason to keep coming back to Woburn. The Duke’s course features one of Golf Magazine’s ‘World's Top 500 Holes' and the Marquess is the favourite of various top European players. The winning team on each course will win a luxury trip (for each member) to Aberfeldy including golf, flights, chauffeurs and a trip to the whisky distillery, plus prizes will be awarded for the longest drive and nearest pin at the three course dinner with wine, raffle and auction. Book here.

Nigel has his say

The opening of Cedar House at the Leylands Estate in Derby marks excellent progress for Retail Trust retirement estates - it is the fourth to be built or refurbished in recent years. You can see photos of the residents here.

What a thrill to be charity partner at the Retail Week Awards 2010 and to be the beneficiaries of the brochure - many thanks to all those who advertised, and those who have supported the charity.

We were delighted to learn of the highest number of calls to the Helpline in one day. You can help us to help even more people by sending The Word on to your contacts.