ONE of the North East’s leading shopping centres is helping take the stress out of Christmas this festive season with a whole host of incentives.
And Sunderland’s the Bridges is also playing Santa itself – with a giveaway gift card scheme for anyone spending more than £100.
The shopping centre, which currently runs late night shopping on Thursdays, will be open until 8pm throughout the week from December 7 up until December 23.
During this time shoppers will be able to park for free in the Bridges’ car parks from 5.30pm until 9pm, as an added incentive to come into the city centre.
The Bridges is also reintroducing its successful gift card scheme, with anyone who spends more than £100 during any late night shop receiving a free £10 voucher.
“Christmas can be a stressful time when it comes to all the gifts that need to be bought, which is why we’ve gone all out to make sure it’s more of a pleasure than a chore for our customers,” said Andy Bradley, Centre Director at the Bridges.
“Later trading hours will make it much easier for our customers to get here after work or just shop in a more leisurely fashion.”
Santa’s grotto, at Central Square in the Bridges, will also be open from November 12 to give children the chance to meet Santa.
Entry into Santa’s grotto is £1.50, with 50p from every entry fee going to Rotary SR1, a group which works together on projects to make a difference and give back to the local community.
Along with the extended opening hours, the Bridges will be open even later on Black Friday, which falls on November 27 this year, with some stores staying open as late as 10pm.
For more information, full opening times and gift card terms and conditions please visit www.thebridges-shopping.com.