“Rallying cry” to support local business this Christmas as late night shopping starts tonight in Wrexham town centre

Residents across Wrexham are being encouraged to shop local and support town centre businesses in the run-up to Christmas.

Tonight sees the start of late night shopping in Wrexham town centre, with a number of stores expected to stay open in a ‘covid secure’ way until 8pm

It is hoped that the later opening hours will give shoppers more time to visit and support local businesses.

Ordinarily Wrexham would be preparing to play host to festivities including the Victorian Market and three day Christmas village – which attract thousands of visitors to the town centre each year.

Although such events are unable to go ahead this year due to the coronavirus restrictions, the town centre’s Christmas lights will be on and there will be street entertainment during the late night shopping.

One activity shoppers both young and old can take part in is the naughty elf trail which is taking place across the town centre.

Visitors can collect a map from Ty Pawb, to help Santa locate the 12 naughty elves which will be running riot.

Coronavirus restrictions on social distancing remain in place in town and the shops.

Leader of Wrexham Council, councillor Mark Pritchard, urged residents to shop local where possible and to support local businesses during this difficult time.

He said: “I want to give a rallying cry, to come to Wrexham and spend your money in the local economy by supporting local businesses and local run family businesses that have been here for generations.”

“We have a lot of independent businesses in Wrexham, so please come to Wrexham enjoy the experience and spend your money by investing in the local economy.”

“We’ve certainly noticed that the town is busier, a lot more footfall and that’s to be celebrated in these extremely difficult times.”

Deputy Leader of Wrexham Council, councillor David A Bithell, told us he had been shopping and had seen things ‘really busy’, adding “It is Covid safe in Wrexham, I think we’ve done a lot of work and trying to encourage people back into the town centre.

“It’s really, really positive. I know it’s we’ve got restrictions in place but we’re hoping that people will come enjoy what we do have to offer despite all the restrictions and utilise the free parking and try and pick up a bargain for Christmas.”

“It is welcoming in the see so many people in the town at the moment.”

Wrexham Council Chief Executive Ian Bancroft told us, “We are encouraging people to celebrate Christmas responsibly and are encouraging people to shop in the town centre, because ultimately, we need to support the local economy and local business. That’s obviously what we’re trying to do as a council.  I was with my family around the town at the weekend, and it was extremely busy with people shopping the town, so that was really heartening to see in what’s a really difficult time.”

Late night shopping will take place in Wrexham town centre between 5pm and 8pm on Thursday 3rd December, 10th and 17th.

Parking is also free in car parks owned by Wrexham Council except Ty Pawb. Restrictions on length of stay short stay car parks remain in place.

Ahead of the launch of the Christmas Light Up Elf Hunt, a video has also been released telling the tale of the 12 naughty elves, missing in Wrexham: