"We hope you understand, nobody wants to miss this" - local shops closing early for World Cup match
Bosses want their staff to be able to enjoy the match.
Shops and restaurants across Preston and South Ribble are closing early today, ahead of England’s World Cup semi final match against Argentina.
Among those closing their doors early areSpar shops belonging to Lawrence Hunt & Co, including those in Penwortham, Longton and Walmer Bridge.
Bosses have taken to Facebook to announce they will close at 7.45pm tonight, so that staff can watch the match, which kicks off at 8pm. They said: “We hope you understand, nobody wants to miss this!”
The stance has been applauded by staff and customers alike, with one saying: “What a boss!”
Elsewhere, The Silk Route restaurant in West Strand, Preston, will be closed all evening. A social media post says: “To allow our team to enjoy the England vs Argentina World Cup semi-final, The Silk Route will be closed on Wednesday evening. We'll be cheering on the Three Lions and hope you'll be doing the same!”
Papa’s Takeaway in Liverpool Road, Longton, will close at 8pm.
Sports groups are also rearranging sessions. No training will take place tonight at Orange Soccer Preston Academy due to England v Argentina, with the session rescheduled to Wednesday, August 26.
National retailers
Nationally, discount retailer Poundland is set to close all 700 of its stores at 7pm this evening, even those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Electrical giant Curry’s will close at 7pm, and hour earlier than usual for most stores, and Smyths Toy Superstore will close even earlier, at 6pm. A post by the retailer says: “The final whistle will blow a little earlier for us this Wednesday.”