Fareham Shoppers get ‘wrapped up’ in Christmas Late Night Shopping

Prizes galore…and there’s more to come! Shoppers in Fareham Shopping Centre yesterday were treated to a fun-filled evening of entertainment as the Centre launched its first night of Late Night Shopping in the run up to Christmas. Not only did shoppers get to enjoy buying their gifts in many of the big brand stores in the Centre, they also had the opportunity to take part in the Centre’s Charity Wrap Race. Armed with a pair of scissors, gift wrap and tape, shoppers were pitted against each other – and a stopwatch – in a bid to wrap an awkwardly-shaped object as quickly as possible. The items that were wrapped were all loaned by stores within Fareham Shopping Centre, including Shoe Zone, Bonmarché and Thomas Cook. The competition, which comprised a number of rounds each with four competitors, kicked off at 6pm outside The Body Shop after a ribbon cutting ceremony officiated by the Mayor and Mayoress of Fareham. The Mayor, Cllr Brian Bayford, also took part in a round of high-speed wrapping along with Karen Wood, Store Manager of Bonmarché, Vanessa Eden from The Ark and Barbara Grayson, the County President of Girlguiding Hampshire East who are running the Centre’s Grotto this year. The Mayoress also judged a few of the rounds and declared the best ‘wrappers’. Throughout the evening, winners of each round of wrapping won a £20 gift voucher from stores such as Bhs, Next, M&S and Boots. The event was held in aid of The RSPCA’s Stubbington Ark with donations made by contestants and onlookers. “It was a lot fun and our shoppers were great sports,” said Pam Marsden, Centre Director. “We were delighted to be able to help The Ark and everyone was very happy to support their cause.” Traditionally a busy time of the year for shoppers, the Centre has planned a number of late night shopping opportunities for their customers. Pam explains: “We will now be open late every Thursday in the run up to Christmas and every night during Christmas week, with many stores open until 8pm. For a chance to win more prizes, shoppers should head on down to the square outside Bhs from 5:30pm on Thursday nights where they can enter our Bauble Prize Draw, supported by The Coast FM. For more information regarding the stores at Fareham Shopping Centre, as well as details of forthcoming events, festive opening times and competitions, visit www.fareshopping.com or follow the Centre on Twitter. -Ends- Words: 350 ***Please scroll down to downloand images*** Notes to the Editor For further editorial information about Fareham Shopping Centre please contact Colin Salt at Logical Creative Marketing on 0845 345 6969 or email colins@lcm.co.uk To contact the Centre Director, call Pam Marsden on 01329 822506. Fareham Shopping Centre is located on the south coast and has over 80 big name stores such as Marks & Spencer, Next, Bhs, Boots and Monsoon and a variety of restaurants and cafes on offer. Visit our website for further details on www.farehamshopping.com.