The Parish of St Helier and the Retail Development Group are pleased to announce the launch of Alive After 5. Over 50 retailers in St Helier will be taking part by opening to 6pm Monday to Friday. 20 opening late on Thursdays to 7pm. The later shopping hours start from Monday 3rd April and continue until Friday 29th September 2017.
The shift towards later opening hours mimics the hugely successful Alive After 5 campaigns in many cities and town centres across the UK. It is also a reaction to changing consumer shopping habits. Shoppers like a ‘Town Centre experience’. They want to take their time, try items on, and perhaps enjoy an al fresco coffee or a trip to the salon. By remaining open later into the evening we improve the customer shopping experience by allowing St Helier’s fantastic retail offer to become accessible at a time when people are available to shop. When they have finished work.
The scope for the benefits of Alive After 5 go far beyond the retail sector. St Helier’s restaurants, bars and cultural venues will also have later shopping hours. As shoppers stay in town later into the evening they will potentially meet with friends for dinner, drinks or a trip to the theatre or cinema.
The Alive After 5 social media pages promote the retailers who are open to 6pm or later Monday to Friday. It also provides information on St Helier restaurants and detail the many cultural activities on offer from 5pm.
A Positive Step for Businesses
“We have a fantastic offer in St Helier. When retailers remain open for longer that offer becomes accessible for more people to enjoy. This is a really positive step for businesses, customers and St Helier’s evening economy.” Daphne East, Town Centre Manager
“The later opening hours are a reaction to changing consumer shopping habits. But also keep up to date with other successful ‘Alive After 5’ campaigns launched in cities and towns across the UK and Europe. St Helier has a successful, diverse and unique range of shops. It’s important to make that available for customers, both local and tourists, to enjoy at a time that is convenient for them.” David Elliot, Chairman of the Retail Development Group
“There’s no doubt that shopping habits have changed. Customers appreciate the opportunity to shop beyond the traditional 5:30pm closing time. Sure is pleased to participate in the Alive After 5 initiative and offer our customers the chance to shop with us at their convenience.” John Harvey, Head of Retail at Sure.
“The Consumer Council called out to Islanders in our December 2016 Newsletter asking ‘When do you shop and would you shop between 5pm and 6pm in town?’ Consumers called for greater flexibility in shopping hours. Especially having the opportunity to shop later in the day. The Council welcomes the Alive After 5 initiative. Versatility and change must be embraced.” Anne King, Jersey Consumer Council
“Listening to our customers and responding to their changing behaviour is right at the heart of what we do. So, JT stands fully behind this initiative. It will help us to support more customers when and where they need it. Our team are looking forward to being available at more convenient times.” Tamara O’Brien, Head of Marketing, Brand & Distribution at JT