RETAILERS in York are being encouraged to look ahead and plan to extend their opening hours in the run up to Christmas to create a regular late-night shopping culture in the city.
The tradition of later opening hours on Thursday evenings in the build-up to Christmas has dwindled in recent years, according to York Retail Forum, due to an inconsistent number of shops taking part.
The forum is now calling on retailers to pledge their support for a late night initiative which will see the city centre remain open until 8pm on Thursdays throughout December.
Frank Wood, chairman of York Retail Forum, said: "Christmas is without doubt our most important time of year, and we are trying to build a cohesive plan for retail.
"We want to encourage as many retailers as possible to open late until 8pm on Thursdays. The Park and Rides usually open later on Thursdays too which will help support the plan.
"It might be a slow burner as it will take time to build customer perceptions of late nights again, and the confidence to know most shops are open, which is why we need as many people as possible to take part."
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