Every weeknight is a shopping night in Kingston

There is no excuse for leaving yourself in a last-minute shopping panic this Christmas thanks to some of Kingston's leading retailers.

 

For the first time ever, in a move that reaffirms Kingston's status as the ultimate Christmas shopping destination, John Lewis, Bentalls and The Bentall Centre will be staying open from 9am-9pm on every weekday evening throughout December.

 

Not only that, but if you venture into Kingston during the evening it will be free to park. The offer is available after 5pm in Bentalls A & B car parks and after 6pm in the John Lewis and Seven Kings car parks.

 

Alternatively, you can take advantage of the Park and Ride service from the South car park at Chessington World of Adventures and let the bus take the strain by delivering you straight to the bus stop in Eden Street. Parking is free and the return bus fare is just £2.20, with the last bus returning from the Kingston Town Centre bus stop at 9.30pm.

 

Vanessa Frances, Head of Marketing for Bentalls, said: "Being able to shop until 9pm every weekday is going to ease a lot of stress for busy working people.

 

"Make the most of the free parking and no crowds and you will go into Christmas ready to relax and have fun. The late night shopping hours also mean that when your partner gets home from work you can nip out when the kids are in bed to stock up in true Father Christmas style."

 

There will be an extra special event on Thursday, December 8 – a Markets Discovery evening – at which shoppers will be able to enjoy an evening of shopping, entertainment and chocolate from

5-9pm.

 

A Chocolate Festival in the Market House will accompany the Town Centre's two visiting markets, the Traditional Christmas Market in Market Place and the Eden Craft & Gift Fair in the grounds of All Saints Church.

 

In the Market House, guides from Girlguiding Kingston and New Malden will be on hand to wrap your Christmas purchases for you, in exchange for a donation to charity.

 

Ros Morgan, Chief Executive of Kingstonfirst, said: "With more than 500 retailers, two visiting festive markets, Park and Ride plus late-night shopping, Kingston is the place to do all of your shopping this Christmas.

 

"We hope the extra opening hours will encourage more shoppers into the Town Centre and get their Christmas off to a great start."

 

For more details on this year's festive offering in Kingston visit www.kingstonfirst.co.uk/christmas