Some businesses in Ottawa’s ByWard Market are extending their summer hours with the hope of bringing in more customers during peak tourist season.
"It makes the market more alive,” said Pat Phythian, manager of the Sassy Bead Co. and Frou Frou. “People don't want to come down here and all they've got is bars. It's like they want to shop, they want to roam around they want to see what's here.”
"I work late and I get to come out after work and have a drink and walk around, I love it,” said shopper Ping King.
Sasloves Meat Market and Aux Delices Bakery are among the businesses extending their hours. However, it is up to the individual businesses to decide to remain open late.
“If it's open later then I think it will be even more interesting to come around,” said shopper Marie Lacroix.
“I know there are a lot of people who live down here who don't have the ByWard Market on their agenda as another shopping destination so we're trying to convert some of those people…instead of walking to the supermarket they walk over to the market,” said Sasloves Meat Market owner John Diener.
Others aren’t sure the idea will catch on.
“I don't know how much extra business it would provide,” said Pamela Cooper. “If people know that a place is going to be open then they're probably going to come. If it's irregular then you probably won't be able to guarantee that you'll have enough customers.”
Participating stores will hold summer hours from July 11 until August 30.
For more information, visit the ByWard Market BIA's website.
