Preston shops prepare to re-open for Christmas shopping

The Christmas lights in Friargate Pic: Tony Worrall

Preston city centre’s retailers are gearing up to safely re-open their doors from tomorrow (December 2).

All retailers, with approproate safety measures in place, are looking forward to welcoming customers back to the the city centre.

The city will extend trading in December, and with free parking, people are being encouraged to visit safely and take in some of the festive cheer on offer.

Some larger stores will be offering appointment based shopping, to provide a relaxed experience, with other retailers extending their hours to provide customers with more choice on when to shop.

St George’s Shopping Centre will be open until 7pm on weekdays from December 2 and on Saturday 19 December and until 8pm on weekdays from 16 – 23 December.

From December 21, The Fishergate Shopping Centre will trade from 9am – 7pm each day, until Christmas eve.

Individual store opening times may vary.

Free parking will also be on offer from 5pm to 8pm on late nights.

A spokesperson for Preston BID said: “We welcome the safe return of all retailers from December 2, and would encourage customers to support their city centre by purchasing their Christmas items from the high street.

“We’re fortunate that our city is home to some ouststanding independents, offering unique Christmas gifts, and big brands that are a popular choice all year round, but especially at Christmas.

“The city’s Christmas lights are lit, there’s a welcoming atmosphere, and plenty of open air in which to enjoy some retail therapy this Christmas – we look forward to seeing shopper return safely this December.”

Some of the city’s best eateries will be offering take-away and delivery services, so Preston’s award-winning hospitality, can be enjoyed from the comfort of home.

Preston Bus will also be running additional services, to and from the city centre, from Monday 21 December until Thursday 24 December.

The city’s Park and Ride facility will also resume normal operation from December 2 with some additional services centred around late night trading.

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The BID is also encourage people to support the new Preston Gift Card, which is packed full of businesses of all sizes, from all sectors, that need support. It’s a perfect gift for those hard to buy for people, staff rewards, or just as a treat.

Are you looking forward to starting your Christmas shopping? Let us know in the comments below