Local businesses in Potts Point and Kings Cross have teamed up to launch a collaborative night-time economy trading campaign called Potts Point Shop Late.

The initiative is designed to boost retail in the area following the COVID-19 crisis, with 50 businesses registering to trial late night trading one night in October, November and December, between 5pm-8pm on Macleay St, Darlinghurst Road, Victoria St, Roslyn St and other streets in the 2011 business community.

The areas is served by the Potts Point Partnership, which is coordinating the promotion thanks to a City of Sydney night time economy grant.

Participating businesses include 32 retail businesses, 10 hospitality businesses, eight other businesses not opening but collaborating with another business that is open.

Among them, 30 retailers will light up their shop windows with LED lighting, volunteers will connect the streets of Potts Point wearing hot pink vests and carrying pink and white balloons, and COVID safe street entertainment has been arranged.

“Potts Point and Kings Cross is very much alive but in new form,” said Carrington Brigham, Executive Chair of the Potts Point Partnership. “Over 50 small and medium businesses are engaged in the spirit of togetherness in these times with business to business collaboration which is fantastic for our lively village.”

Collaborations and unique activities include:

●       Shop Late cocktails in reusable jars by Joseph Hyde and Silly Tart Kitchen at retailers A Date with Mabel and Oasis Emporium
●       Cocktail Classes by Dulcie’s Kings Cross at Hotel Challis and Springfield Lodge
●       Sustainability art show at eco-friendly laundromat laundrlab
●       Logies for Dogs, a best-dressed dog competition and pop-up dog treat market at Baked by Keiran
●       Cheese tastings from Pennys Cheese Shop at the Potts Point Bookshop
●       Becker Minty shop late markets and DJ
●       Dining and bar tours and history of the Cross walking tours
●       Entertainment including three voice performers, a roaming drag queen, and a band by the station

“The number and diversity of businesses keen to take part in Shop Late is fantastic news for our local business community which has been dealing with so much disruption for so long,” said Louise Hunt project director and owner of Joseph Hyde on Llankelly place, emphasising “I’m pleased we were able to secure funding from the City to help our local businesses trial late night late shopping!”

Potts Point Shop Late will take place Thursday 5-8pm on October 29, November 26 and December 17, supported by sponsorship from the City of Sydney.

The map and directory of participating businesses is available on the project webpage: https://pottspointpartnership.com.au/shoplate

Main photo credit: Tim Denood & Alex Zabotto