It might be more by default than design, but a bid by the Steveston Merchants Association (SMA) to attract last-minute Christmas shoppers could end up being a winner for local men.
With only a handful of shopping days left until Christmas, the association came up with the idea to convince 22 retailers in the village to stay open until 8 p.m. each night, from Wednesday, Dec. 20 to Saturday, Dec. 23.
And to sprinkle some holiday spirit onto the last-minute Christmas shopping cake, three Steveston restaurants are offering beer/food discounts on those four nights to those producing proof of purchase on that day from one of the participating retailers.
Although it’s not specifically targeted at the stereotypical male shopper, SMA administrator Carolynne Palla admits the promotion may end up getting their attention.
“It’s not exclusively for men, the same way as the Steveston Girls’ Night Out (in November) is aimed at women,” Palla told the Richmond News.
“We were just thinking of a way to get people out for later shopping in the last few days before Christmas.
“It is very much something for the last-minute shopper and, I guess, many of them just happen to be guys.
“I have to say, the four local guys we used for the photoshoot – we now call them “The Shopping Guys,” were doing some serious shopping and having quite a bit of fun, so maybe we’ve started something.”
Just like the Steveston Girls Night Out event, however, many of the participating retailers will be offering deals to go with the discounted beer or food at Britannia Brewing, Blue Canoe and Little Mexico Cantina.
“Women are going to come out, too, I’m sure,” added Palla.
“If you show your shopping receipt, you’ll be entitled to a discount at one of the three restaurants.”
For the full list of retailers involved and some of the deals on offer, go to the SMA’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/StevestonMerchantsAssociation.
