Late night shopping gets underway later this month in the run-up to Christmas, and the Guernsey Retail Group is encouraging Islanders into the festive spirit earlier than normal this year.
The Guernsey Retail Group (GRG) is running a competition this year for the first two Thursdays, on 30 November and 07 December, which it hopes will inspire locals to venture into Town and shop earlier with stores opening till 9pm. Prizes on offer include gift vouchers for a variety of stores in St Peter Port and travel vouchers with two local operators. The other two nights are 14 and 21 December, whilst the designated Bridge evenings take place on 12 and 19 December.
Korinne Le Page, Head of Retail Development at the Guernsey Retail Group, said: “We are excited to be offering late-night shopping once again which is always a firm favourite in the yearly calendar. There are some fabulous prizes to be won by entering the competition on the first two nights and we hope that the extended opening hours also mean Islanders support our local traders and hospitality venues.”
In order to qualify for the competition, shoppers have to spend £25 at participating retailers in the evenings of 30 November and 07 December and their entries are collected and entered into the draw which takes place week commencing Monday 11 December.
In Town, a range of entertainment will add to the festive spirit with a range of outdoor stalls offering hot drinks, mulled wine, chestnuts and doughnuts, along with treats and sweets and local charity stalls.
CT Plus has put on its late night N1, N2, N3 and N4 services which leave the bus terminus each Thursday at 9.30pm. Le Petit Train will run a free park and ride service between 6pm and 9pm on all four evenings from Sir Charles Frossard House to and from Picquet House to help locals transport their festive purchases.
For Islanders travelling to town under their own steam, all parking restrictions are being relaxed on The Albert Pier, The Crown Pier and North Beach and spaces are available on the White Rock and St Julian’s Emplacement in designated areas.
Ms Le Page added: “We are fortunate to enjoy a wonderful community spirit in Guernsey so hope the competition, extended opening hours, entertainment, stalls and excitement leading up to Christmas all add to the festive atmosphere.”
