Shops open late tomorrow night

Wednesday 03 September 2014

Shops are opening late tomorrow in an effort to put the buzz back on the high street.

The “Love Shopping, Love Thursdays” initiative is being led by some of the larger retailers who are reacting to a recent town survey which showed two thirds of shoppers want the chance to shop later at least one day a week.

BHS, De Gruchy, M&S, Boots, New Look, Romerils and Voisins have all confirmed they are staying open until 7 pm and some of the smaller shops – Boo’s Boutique, Maison La Mare, Swarovski and the Jersey Pottery shop are also on board.

A report published earlier this summer by the Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel criticised retailers for not fully reacting to changing customer habits and for restricting shopping opportunities through outdated “9 to 5” opening hours.

St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft said they've have been working towards giving Islanders more opportunities to shop since the States voted against Sunday trading. He said although no-one is being compelled to join in, the retailers staying open hope other smaller shops and even market traders will consider trading for longer too.

Constable Crowcroft said: “We know it’s a tried and tested formula because the late night opening in the run up to Christmas is very popular.”

He said he hopes it will have a knock-on benefit for the hospitality industry too with people staying on in town to eat and drink once all the shops are shut.

Parking is already free after 5 pm but the Constable said he’s been in talks with Transport & Technical Services to make it free from 3 pm on a Thursday.

Jersey’s retail sector employs more than 8,000 people, but its performance in 2012 was it its lowest level since 1998. It’s biggest threat is the growth of online shopping – households in the Island are thought to be spending at least £7,000 a year online.