The Enterprise Seychelles Agency (Esa) in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office have since Monday organised for shops in Victoria to remain open until late during the week leading up to Christmas to allow the general public, especially those finishing work at 4pm onwards, to have time to do their shopping.

In a press conference held at the Seychelles Investment Bureau (SIB), the Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry, Devika Vidot, said that the campaign by Esa for the late night shopping will allow customers ample time to know what is available in the shops and the shops to showcase their products and to reap maximum benefits.

Also present during the press conference were the Mayor of Victoria, David Andre and the executive director in the Mayor’s Office, Lydia Charlie.

Minister Vidot stated that by giving customers extra time to see what are available and to do their shopping under less pressure, will also prevent them from searching for those products online knowing that they are available within their reach.

She noted that online shopping is to the disadvantage of shop owners who are paying taxes and contributing to the economy.

She added that while they have encouraged a variety of retail outlets in Victoria to remain open until late for the general public to enjoy their shopping, they have also organised entertainment activities in the corners of Victoria, including at the Camion Hall, which will go until 8pm to attract people in Victoria. This will include the participation of DJ’s and bands and Christmas carols by different groups at the Water Front Café.

She said that they have also organised with the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) for the provision of bus services on certain routes of which the last will leave Victoria at 8pm.

Minister Vidot noted that the retail outlets who have registered are benefiting with free advertising.

She urged other retail outlets to participate to benefit from the free advertising and to also help bring an enjoyable Christmas atmosphere in Victoria which has been nicely decorated.

She said that they want the late night shopping to continue in 2023 to allow everybody to get acquainted so that it becomes normal in the country.

She added that they will also be organising a Boxing Day sale on December 26 at the STC hypermarket car park, to allow vendors to sell Christmas goods and others that were not sold before Christmas.

For her part, Ms Charlie said that given the second Christmas fair was cancelled because of bad weather on December 17, the Mayor’s Office will be hosting the fair this Saturday, December 24, on Independence Avenue from 9am to 8pm. She noted that the event will be spiced up by entertainment which will go until after 8pm.

She added that Paradis Des Enfant has a range of activities and new toys, including bumper cars, that children can enjoy. The playground is open every day.

She noted that the entertainment in Victoria by the various DJs, bands and choirs will take place every day this week.

Mr Andre said that we all have to come together to ensure that Victoria becomes lively and entertaining.

He noted that in the old days shops in Victoria used to remain open until late and the town was full of entertainment and we have to give a helping hand to bring back life in Victoria as it used to be back then.

Source: Seychelles Nation