Free parking and extended shopping hours for Christmas

With Christmas fast-approaching, Gore shoppers are able to enjoy both free parking and extended shopping hours, with retailers staying open late and bringing out the bright green parking meter covers for a fourth year.

The free parking initiative was first implemented by the Gore District Council in December 2016. A popular gesture, the free parking is appreciated by retailers and shoppers alike.

Making a return to the Gore CBD just in time for Christmas, and coupled with the extended shopping hours, customers will have plenty of time to organise their Christmas gift purchases.

Christmas shopping hours will be extended this Thursday, November 21, for Gala Night, from 9.00am to 9.00pm, and other days throughout December. Check out the list opposite for more information.

Gore District Mayor Tracy Hicks said the Council was happy to be able to continue to offer free parking on selected dates leading up to Christmas within the CBD, to both locals and visitors.

‘‘As a former retailer I know the challenges businesses can face, even at busy times. So any small thing we can do to make it easier for people to shop local has to be good.’’

Free parking will be on offer every weekend from Saturday, November 30 and for several days leading up to Christmas. It will also be available on Boxing Day.

GoRetail spokesperson Ivan Van de Water says there has been some great feedback from customers and retailers to this initiative, and others that have been implemented by the group since it was established in 2016.

‘‘We all talk to each other and appreciate we have a shared responsibility for making things happen.’’

As well as free parking over Christmas and throughout Gold Guitar weekend, retailers now work together, taking a proactive approach to promotions.

Established to make Gore, New Zealand’s most commercially resilient provincial town, the Council-backed GoRetail group, the Love Gore Shop Local campaign, and the online retail options, have seen the Eastern Southland town enjoying a positive change to its shopping precinct.

GoRetail also helps retailers to build their digital presence and works as an advocate for local businesses to retain consumer spending in Gore.

Gore has a centralised shopping area with everything customers need within walking distance. Locals encourage shopping locally wherever possible to keep their community strong.