By Renee Wood
Healesville Twilight Shopping will return again on Thursday nights in the lead up to Christmas, starting 25 November.
Traders who’re are joining the late night trade will be opening their doors into the evening, allowing locals the opportunity to buy presents and prepare for the festive season outside of regular hours.
Glenda’s Candle Gift owner Glenda Crofts said her store will be opening late to support the twilight offering.
“We always try and support that because it’s nice to be here for the locals, and they’ve supported us through the tough times as well. So we just try to be open so that they’ve got the ability to come and shop and have a wander,” Ms Crofts said.
Verso Books Nina Sturgess said its helpful to many who commute daily.
“A lot of people do commute in and out of the city so they can’t shop locally because they’re out of town at seven o’clock in the morning and they don’t get back until seven o’clock at night, so they miss the local shops,” she said.
This will be the third year of the extended trade and it’s proven to be a popular choice for many, now taking on the form of a holiday tradition.
“It’s nice to think that people can just come in and freely walk around and people have been so happy just to be out and about and happy to support local, it’s been really evident that’s been the case,” Ms Crofts said.
All traders choose their own opening hours which vary from staying open until 7pm or 9pm.
Thursday 23 December will be the last day of the twilight trading.
