Shops, bars and restaurants registered strong sales on the night of Notte Magica, the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprise - GRTU reported yesterday.

This was in spite of the fact that the entertainment activities on offer were of a very high standard and "visitors could not afford to lose the opportunity to follow them," the GRTU said.

Speaking on behalf of commercial and entertainment establishments, shops, bars, restaurants and clubs, it congratulated the event organisers on the major success of the activity.

It was proof, the GRTU said, that when the commercial community united and enjoyed the support of public entities and the local council, everyone benefited from activities organised for the public.

Comments gathered by the GRTU from shop owners showed that those who opened in Merchants Street did well, while the few that did not, kept their shop window lights on in support of the event. They requested that similar future festivities would include some form of entertainment on the level that was enjoyed in Republic Street.

Here, the activity was most intense and the constant entertainment made it difficult, at times, for visitors to concentrate on shopping, the Republic Street shop owners told the GRTU.

Still, they reported very good sales and in many cases business was "excellent". Some stayed open until after midnight.

Zachary Street shop owners had positive comments too, with some saying sales were better than in Christmas and many keeping their doors open even after 10 p.m., the GRTU said.

In Melita Street, shop owners were full of praise for the organisation of Notte Magica and asked for similar events in the future. Retailers in St John's Street said they had never experienced so many people - not even in Christmas.

In Freedom Square, shops stayed open until after 9 p.m. while cafeterias were serving customers into the early hours.

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