Adelaide embraces festive spending with extended shopping hours

Round-the-clock Christmas spending is now underway in Adelaide as shoppers take advantage of the first night of extended trading hours.

Adelaide's Rundle Mall, along with suburban shopping centres like Westfield's Tea Tree Plaza and Marion, will now be open long into the night, allowing shoppers to indulge in late-night retail therapy, cashing in on the bumper festive rush. 

Despite the rising cost of living, a recent survey revealed that nearly half of shoppers plan to spend over $500 on Christmas gifts this year. 

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Rundle Mall alone anticipates sales exceeding $35 million in the coming days.

"It's great to come out in the evening, especially when it's hot weather. It's nice to come out when it's cooler, and it's always a great vibe in Rundle Mall," shopper Alana Markus said.

The move to extended trading hours caters to people who can't do their Christmas shopping during normal business hours. 

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"Midnight trading is a perfect opportunity for those people who have demanding roles or jobs that don't let them pop out during the lunch break," Adelaide MP Lucy Hood said.

Marion and Tea Tree Plaza will again be open until midnight on December 23.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.