Twenty-five independent shops, galleries and bars across Margate will open their doors on Thursday 3 December for the first Don’t Miss Late Night Shopping Trail/
The event, running from 5pm to 8pm,aims to bring back the buzz of old fashioned late night Christmas shopping and put money straight back into the local economy.
Organised by Don’t Miss Margate, the trail will turn the town into one continuous route: doors open, lights on, something warm to drink, and a printed map guiding shoppers from one independent business to the next.
The date falls on the first Thursday in December, traditionally the busiest week for Christmas gift buying, and organisers say the aim is to make sure that spending stays local.
Georgina Wilson-Powell, founder of Don’t Miss Margate, said: “Late night shopping used to be a proper occasion, and we want to bring that feeling back to Margate. Twenty-five businesses opening together on one night reaches so much further than any of us could alone. If you’re doing your Christmas shopping this year, we don’t want you to miss out on Margate’s independents to be the first place you think of.”
Participating businesses are each offering something to mark the evening, from mulled wine and mince pies to in-store makers and one night only discounts. Shoppers will be able to follow the printed trail map from venue to venue throughout the evening and the Don’t Miss team will be at Little Swift that evening if you fancy swinging in to meet them.
A handful of the 25 trail slots remain, priced at £50 and open to independent shops, galleries and bars in Margate on a first come, first served basis. The booking deadline is 1 October.
Ten percent of profits from the trail go towards free community events in Margate through Don’t Miss Margate’s CIC micro-grants programme.
Businesses wanting to take part can book at https://form.jotform.com/262354785548066.
