A group of ten Downtown Midland businesses have made the commitment to keep common business hours, seven days a week, to enhance the shopping experience in Downtown Midland.

The businesses that agreed are Ace Hardware, Coyer Candle Co., Gems by Em, Heather ‘n Holly, Little Forks Outfitters, Mercato di O&V, Peel ‘n Pare, Serendipity 181, Ways to Wellness and Willow Classic Ladies Apparel. 

They are now open seven days a week: Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.; Thursday-Friday 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday noon until 4 p.m.  

Some businesses even open earlier and stay open later. 

The Downtown Development Authority said a survey of downtown business hours conducted last summer found that most businesses were open similar hours during the week, but were all across the board for weekend hours of operation. 

These ten businesses were willing to adjust hours so that Downtown Midland could provide plenty of shopping opportunities for visitors.

"Weekends are where the biggest change has taken place," said Downtown Midland Executive Director Selina Tisdale. "The number of retail businesses open on Sundays expanded from four businesses to ten." Tisdale added noting that having businesses open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and 6 p.m. on Saturdays helps shoppers plan their late day and evenings around Downtown Midland.  

"We are so excited that other businesses are joining us to offer more options to our community and more access to wellness that is so needed with our busy lifestyles, " said Jo and Jeff Currier, owners of Ways to Wellness.

In addition, eight restaurants and coffee houses are open during the downtown hours, seven-days-a-week:  Amazing Deli, Café Zinc, Decker's, Diamond Jim's, Espresso Milano, Journey's Coffee House, Oscars and Pizza Sam's. 

For more information about Downtown Midland's business district and upcoming events, visit www.downtownmidland.com.

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