Midnight shoppers hit the stores

Shoppers keen to avoid the massive Christmas crowds jumped at the chance to browse until midnight at the Merry Hill Shopping Centre.

Stores at the centre in Brierley Hill stayed open until midnight for the second year running after extended hours were pioneered last year and hailed a success.

While late-night shopping got off to a slow start last year with most shoppers opting to leave two hours before closing time, a steady stream of customers kept tills ringing until the clock struck 12 last night – the first night of the week-long extended opening. Car parks around the complex were still half-full shortly before midnight and aisles were bustling well after the usual closing time of 10pm.

Julie Payne, 37, of Jockey Field, Upper Gornal, came specifically for the late night hours after taking advantage last year. She said: "I came here at 9 o'clock – I'm a night person. I work during the day and I tend to have my tea and come up here later. I thought it would be quieter than usual but it has been quite busy." Also leaving it late was Dave Rolinson, 46, of St James's Road, Dudley, who was embarking on his first Christmas shopping trip and was still going strong at 11.40pm.

He said: "I think it's great for people who have to work to have the option of coming up here at night. It seems busier than last year, I guess more people know about it this year."

Friends Sandra Alderman and Michelle Butler, both 41, and from Rowley Regis, used their extra time to have a meal before hitting the shops, while Rachel Price, aged 24, from Bilston and Tracy Gibbons, aged 20, from Tipton were late-night shopping at Merry Hill for the first time.