The festive season is at last upon us and in the City of London, in the very streets where Scrooge had his counting house, there is not a whiff of humbug! On the contrary, the City of London Corporation, as part of the Square Smile Campaign, is welcoming Christmas shoppers to its streets.

Whether it is shopping early for family gifts, finding the perfect present for the office Secret Santa or simply seeking the best Christmas decorations for the house, the City of London boasts a great variety of shops. And they are all within walking distance of each other, making it easy to pop out during the lunchbreak or on the way home from work.

And with the City Gift Card, it has never been easier for City employers to reward their workers during the festive season. Back in time for this Christmas and with a long list of participating businesses ranging from restaurants to bars, from retailers to leisure activities, from hotels to service providers, all in the Square Mile, the City Gift Card is the perfect solution. Find out how to get the card here.

The “Square Smile” campaign was recently launched by the City of London Corporation to support retail, leisure and hospitality businesses as well as cultural attractions by encouraging people back into the Square Mile for work and play. The streets, twinkling with Christmas lights and imbued with culture and history, make the City a unique place to shop during the festive season.

Unmissable shopping spots, all part of the City of London Corporation's 'Square Smile' campaign, include:

One New Change with its eclectic mix of luxury and fashion stores, including H&M, Zara, All Saints and Hugo Boss.

Leadenhall Market is not only a beautiful indoor market dating from 1321, it also boasts a great selection of boutique retailers, restaurants and wine bars, and is the perfect place to find the perfect Christmas presents in Barbour, Reiss and Diptyque among many others.

Cheapside is the City's best shopping street, and definitely one to visit this winter season. There, a great selection of fashion brands ranging from River Island to Massimo Dutti and Ted Baker can be found, as well as the best cosmetic discounts at Lush or Space NK Apothecary.

Spitalfields, right on the edge of the Square Mile, is home to shops like Marvin Browne, & Other Stories, Lululemon and Mi Cielo London to name just a few. It also has a great offering of unique stalls to explore, with everything from traditional Indian jewellery and vintage leather jackets to handmade ceramics from Jerusalem.

The Royal Exchange has been at the heart of City since 1571, and is the City's go-to place for luxury and high-end boutiques. They include Hermes, Tiffany & Co. and Georg Jensen. 

For more information about the “Square Smile” campaign and more ideas of things to do in the City, visit: www.squaresmile.london From Tuesday 30 November at 4am, all visitors are expected to wear masks in shops and public transports in England.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For more information, images or interview requests, please contact:

Julie Giraud | julie.giraud@lafontainepr.com | +44 7729 088 164

Pete Bell | pete.bell@lafontainepr.com | +44 7973 764 387

Lafontaine PR, 66 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 4QE.

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk 

About the “Square Smile” campaign:

The “Square Smile” campaign was designed to raise awareness of the benefits of returning to the City and to face-to-face interaction as firms increasingly give their staff more flexibility on where they are located through hybrid working. It showcases the City's vibrant offer – ranging from world-class culture, heritage, cuisine, entertainment, retail, architecture and much more. The campaign launched on 13 October 2021 and will run until the beginning of 2022. www.squaresmile.london