Christmas shoppers in Leeds are literally shopping ‘til they drop as late night opening continues to attract the crowds and is set to continue through 2012, say the Leeds Retail Association.   

City Centre shops and major centres, including The Light, Merrion Centre and St John’s as well as the Victoria Quarter and the Corn Exchange are open until 8pm on Thursday nights during the run up to Christmas. Many are open ‘til 10 as Christmas approaches and just over 32,000 people were in the city between 5-8pm last Thursday, 8th December. 

The Leeds Retail Association has also confirmed that shops will open late on Thursday evenings on a regular basis in a bid to build the evening economy.

David Laycock, Chair of the Leeds Retail Association says: “Retailers, of course, recognise the value of opening late during the build up to Christmas but a permanent change to Leeds’ opening hours every Thursday is a great step forward for and is certain to deliver a boost to city centre businesses. Being ‘alive after five’ is not just about retail as many of the city’s bars, restaurants and cultural venues will be enhancing their offer for customers too.” 

Jean Dent, Director of Marketing Leeds, the organisation responsible for the Festive Leeds campaign along with partners, City Centre Management and Visit Leeds, says:  
“The retail industry is incredibly important to the city of Leeds. We have a vibrant retail sector and the extension of opening hours on a Thursday evening will certainly help to ensure the city continues to be renowned as a premier destination nationally and internationally. At Christmas, in particular, late nights are a great time to shop as the 15 miles of Leeds Lights make it a magical shopping experience.” 

To celebrate Christmas opening, free city centre parking will also be available in council parking spaces from 6pm on Thursday evening’s. In addition to existing free car parking on street (2,400 spaces) and car parks at Hunslet Lane (38 spaces), Meadow Lane (45 spaces), International Pool (120 spaces), Maude Street (35 spaces), Quarry Hill (400 spaces). Thursday evening shoppers can enjoy free parking at Markets (325 spaces) and Queens Hall (390 spaces). 
Many shops in Leeds also open late throughout the week. 

Whilst in the city at Christmas, shoppers can enjoy a little light shopping or a drink at the ‘Christkindelmarkt’ German Christmas Market until Sunday 18 December. Alternatively, Santas grottos abound with appearances at the Merrion Centre and Leeds Kirkgate markets.

Further details about Christmas activity in Leeds can be found and booked at www.festiveleeds.com. 

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