Shop till you drop

Exeter’s shops are soon to extend their opening hours.


Some of the biggest shops have agreed to remain open later in order to boost Exeter’s growing reputation as the South West’s top shopping destination.

Many shops, including John Lewis, Debenhams, Boots, Next, Apple, HMV, Top Shop, M&S, Sainsburys, WHSmith, Wilkinsons, GAP, River Island and Primark will remain open until at least 7pm every Thursday from 3rd April.

City leaders hope the change will give the city a more European style shopping experience, so that people are able to enjoy restaurants, cafes and bars after late night shopping.

Princesshay centre director, Wayne Pearce said: “This is a long term initiative that I’m sure will take time to establish but we’re thrilled to be able to launch and announce these new and extended hours for the city centre from the beginning of April.”

Store manager of Boots, Julia Jiang, said: ““I think it is great that the city centre will be extending the trading hours, as it will clearly provide customers with greater choice and options.”