Central Rotorua set to hum with late night shopping

Central Rotorua is set to hum on Thursday nights with the re-introduction of late night shopping in the led up to Christmas.

Many of Rotorua's Inner City Focus Group members have decided to keep their businesses open until 7pm on Thursday's for the Christmas rush, which coincides with the Night Market on Tutanekai St.

Inner City Focus Group member and retailer Ron Finn said the extra hours were a great opportunity for those who were busy to get their shopping done.

"It's been put out there to extend the hours on a Thursday which makes sense in that it's close to Christmas now.

"With the night market happening on a Thursday there's an increased vibrancy in town, and it's a good opportunity to give those who are busy a chance in the evenings to get their shopping done," he said.

Late night shopping also provided a means to appreciate the "Light Rotorua" campaign, a grass-roots initiative sponsored by the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust and local businesses, he said.

Rotorua Night Market project manager Brigitte Nelson is looking forward to increased foot traffic around the city on Thursday nights.

"We're looking forward to the retailers opening in support of late night trading which will bring families into the city to enjoy the Light Rotorua campaign," she said.

"We are hoping they all trade until 7pm so everyone can enjoy the dressed shop windows and the lighting of the trees of significance. It gives the kids something to do, and provides an opportunity for visitors to come into town to do their shopping," she said.