Liverpool's re-generation as one of the UK's top shopping destinations gathers pace with the announcement that all retail units in Liverpool ONE will open until 8pm every weekday.  For years Liverpool has been tied to an early-closing culture. However with the arrival of over 160 new shops in a £1 billion redevelopment of the heart of the city, late night shopping has finally arrived on Merseyside.  This exciting breakthrough for Liverpool comes after years of campaigning for extended trade by the Business Improvement Development Team who played an instrumental part in the decision.Rita Waters, CEO of BID comments: "The retailers in the heart of the City Centre have responded fabulously to the call to remain open after the traditional 5.30pm closing times on a Thursday.  The late night openings at Liverpool One will be a key driver in encouraging City Centre retailers to offer additional nights for late night trading.  This will attract additional footfall into the area and therefore an increase in sales.  We will continue to work with City Centre retailers, Liverpool One and our partners to ensure that the late night trading offer will be an enormous success for all retailers in Liverpool"Retailers in the city centre currently stay open late on Thursdays but attempts to make this a daily offering has never been achieved. On the back of the good work implemented by Business Improvement Development Team, Liverpool ONE is delighted to be working in partnership with them to make evening economy a daily reality across Liverpool. Joanne Jennings, Chief Executive of Liverpool ONE says: " Liverpool ONE will transform the city centre in a multitude of ways. Not only will the consumer be able to experience Liverpool as a destination with shops, restaurants and leisure venues to match any top UK city, they will also be able to enjoy the city from day through to night without seeing shutters go down at 5.30pm. We are hoping that the city will be full of life after dusk, and believe that the economic benefit is going to be extremely positive." 

The extended hours will be of particular benefit to professionals bound by their 9-6pm working hours. Now they can take their time after work rather than rushing around manically in their lunch hour!

Says Maria Martin from the Wirral "My friends and I are so excited about the opening of Liverpool ONE. The city really needs some exciting new shops and restaurants and it is going to make Liverpool a real destination. I am also pleased that we can finally shop in the evening. Liverpool has been after that for a long time and finally people who have to work during the day can actually enjoy some retail therapy after a desk-bound day in the office!" With some fantastic new restaurants set to open across Liverpool ONE including a John Lewis restaurant which opens its doors in May, shoppers can enjoy all Liverpool ONE has to offer after dark.  Shoppers can enjoy an exciting selection of new retailers including a flagship Debenhams, a landmark John Lewis, All Saints, Pull and Bear, and Zara Home to name but a few. With over 180 new retailers including a series of fabulous new restaurants and leisure outlets, Liverpool ONE is soon to be the must-visit retail and leisure destination.