The Bridges to extend opening hours after lockdown with Christmas late night shopping

The Bridges shopping centre has announced plans for extended opening hours when lockdown is lifted next week.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

From Thursday, December 3, stores in the centre will be open until 7pm Monday to Saturday – with late night shopping until 8pm resuming on Thursday evenings.

The aim is to give retailers the chance to make up for lost sales during the November lockdown but to also make social distancing easier for customers by having longer opening hours.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Centre bosses have said that the majority of shops are supporting the late night trading initiative, including Primark, Boots, Next, Pandora and The Perfume Shop to name a few.

The Bridges have announced longer opening hours when lockdown ends next month.The Bridges have announced longer opening hours when lockdown ends next month.
The Bridges have announced longer opening hours when lockdown ends next month.
Read More
Washington virtual Christmas market to showcase 50 local businesses as part of s...

Karen Eve, the centre director at the Bridges explained that the decision comes from a consultations with both customers and retailers over Christmas shopping.

She said: “It’s clear that customers still want to shop for Christmas. They want to experience the buzz of being out browsing for those special gifts, they want to see beautiful decorations, hear festive music and plan for a happy Christmas break.

“Extending the opening hours will help retailers make up for missed sales but will also mean that shoppers can plan their shopping trips and avoid the busiest time of the day.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Monday (November 23) that all non-essential shops can reopen from next week – even those in areas with the highest rates of Covid-19 infections, giving retailers a boost in the run up to Christmas.

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day.

With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.