In Richmond, the scene is set to welcome Christmas.

Richmond Round Table have put the Christmas tree up in the Market Place, the Duck Club have decorated the Friary Gardens and Richmond Town Council’s illuminations around the town are all ready for the Christmas light-up on Friday 3rd December. Some shops and cafes will be open late including King Steet Kitchen and Gift and Sip Coffee in King Street, Mocha Chocolate in the Market Place and the Indoor Market.

Welcome Christmas with this traditional Richmond start to December.

A number of Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association (ORBTA) members are also offering late night shopping opportunities in the lead up to Christmas.

The Station, The Little Dress Shop, Mocha, Berber Leather, King Street Kitchen and Gifts and Sip Coffee will all be open on Thursday evenings 25^th November as well as 2^nd, 9^th and 16^th December. Trinity Fashion will join them for the three Thursdays in December and Lightfoot Jewellers  will be part of the late-night openings on 9^th and 16^th.

On Thursday 25^th November Sip Coffee are open late for hot drinks and food and the Aladdin’s cave at York House is open until 8pm, a well as opening at their usual Sunday opening times from 10am – 4pm.

On Richmond Trading Estate Roots and Shoots Florist will be open until 8pm on Thursday 2^nd.

One of the Association’s award-winning members, Kiss the Moon are holding extra opening days from 10am – 3.00m on Saturdays 27 November as well as 4, 11 and 18 December.

These are just some of the nearly 100 retailers in Richmond, so, for a merry, merry Christmas shop local in Richmond, enjoying the cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops to find something that little bit special.

For some festive food for thought, it’s worth remembering that around 60p of every £1 spent at small or medium-sized businesses stays in the local economy, compared with just 40p at large businesses.