Late opening sees big sales

"One shop owner in particular said he had the biggest day of sales ever on Friday," said campaign organiser Stephanie Mitchell of United Travel. Photo / Michael Cunningham

It was standing room only in some Whangarei shops last Friday night.

A mixed start to reinstating late night Friday shopping in the city's CBD has not deterred those backing the Open 'Til Late campaign - which continues tonight with stores open until at least 8pm.

"One shop owner in particular said he had the biggest day of sales ever on Friday," said campaign organiser Stephanie Mitchell of United Travel.

"One of the stores had texted their database and offered a sale and it was standing room only."

After the first late night last Friday, Ms Mitchell said she was frustrated some shops had not remained open. But she was still confident the campaign would succeed. Tonight's extended hours had more promotion and retailers had time to ensure they were adequately staffed, she said.

"I did a bit of a rant to shake up the ones who closed. Everyone is really keen," she said.