Sidney businesses staying open late Thursday to promote local shopping

SIDNEY, NE — Sidney businesses are staying open late this holiday season to promote local shopping.

Several downtown businesses are participating in what city officials are calling twilight shopping. They will all stay open until 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays until Christmas.

Most of those taking part normally close between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. 

Sidney economic development director Melissa Norgard says residents can find just about anything they need for Christmas shopping downtown.

"We have a furniture store, we have clothing stores, we have a music store, we have local floral shops," Norgard said. "All these places have so much to offer. I think if you don't get out and patronize some of those local businesses and buy your holiday gifts there, you're missing out."

Many small businesses have been struggling this year due to COVID-19. Norgard says this is a great way for people to support those that have been struggling the most and keep money in the local economy.

The hope is staying open later will allow people more time to see what businesses downtown have to offer instead of closing around the time many people are just getting off work.