SALISBURY — Downtown Salisbury is excited to announce that over 25 shops and restaurants will now be open late on Fridays.

Many of the merchants have decided to stay open until 8 p.m. to allow more time for shopping, dining and enjoying downtown as a whole. This is a great opportunity to showcase the constantly expanding downtown community.

Historically, downtown Salisbury has been the central business district. Yet, in the 1960s and ’70s with the advent of “mall flight,” the downtown economy experienced a shift when large department stores left downtown. It is the goal of Downtown Salisbury, Inc. and the Merchants Association to continuously re-energize the downtown marketplace and encourage customers to again think of downtown as a primary shopping area.

Additional shopping hours provides a response to known consumer trends in which the majority of purchases occur after working hours.

The extended hours are here just in time for the holiday season. Many shoppers have noted a desire to shop local and have experienced that there are many great selections in the more than 60 shops throughout downtown.

Downtown Salisbury is ever-changing and expanding. It is important that it continues to be a destination for not only Rowan County residents, but those from outlying communities. The decision to extend hours on Fridays will allow downtown Salisbury to be put on the map in a whole new way.

Paula Bohland, executive director of Downtown Salisbury, Inc., noted, “Public requests for retailers to be open later hours have been noted in every public forum and focus group we have conducted. I applaud the retailers who decided to present this option to customers. I expect this decision to be very well received and will provide more shoppers in the downtown marketplace.”

The recent announcement of these extended hours has gained the attention of many throughout the Salisbury community. Mayor Karen Alexander commented, “Congratulations! The extended merchant hours on Friday nights will create a more vibrant and economically thriving downtown district for shopping and dining for visitors, and attract more downtown living.”

The decision to stay open later on Friday evenings began during the Downtown Salisbury Merchants Association meetings. After many conversations, it was agreed that offering extended hours on Fridays would appeal to a greater audience and increase the overall shopping and dining experience of patrons.

Bob Potter, head of the Downtown Salisbury Merchants Association reported, “I’m excited at the level of merchant participation in extending Friday evening hours. The majority of retail stores have closed early on Fridays with the exception of First Friday events and holidays. Now there is better incentive for people to spend their Friday evenings in downtown Salisbury.”

The First Friday event series will continue as it has in past years, with fun and new events taking place monthly. Katelin Rice, promotions coordinator for Downtown Salisbury, Inc., reported, “Although our monthly events create a tremendous draw to the downtown, it is important that we are thought of as a daily destination. I believe that by extending hours on Fridays, downtown Salisbury will begin being acknowledged once again as a vital part of the community.”

Downtown Salisbury, Inc. highly encourages members of our community, and those in outlying regions, to show their support to these local businesses and spend their Fridays in downtown Salisbury. For store hours, event updates, and further information visit www.downtownsalisburync.com.