Poll: Should Downtown Shops Stay Open Later?

Earlier this week, we learned that in downtown Rochester is closing its doors. The gift shop, which specialized in silk flowers and in preserving floral arrangements, will be open through 5 p.m. today, Friday. 

On the shop's Facebook page, store representatives said the closure was due to the "triple whammy of the economy, Main Street closure and fierce competition in our markets."

On the Rochester Patch Facebook page, the news inspired a discussion about the hours of downtown businesses. Most shops close between 5 and 6 p.m. Some downtown patrons said they would be more likely to frequent the downtown shops if they were open later — after the dinner hour.

"Most of us work till 5 p.m.," posted Michael McGinnis. "By the time we drive home it's closing time for most of the stores so we go to the mall or dept stores instead."

So, Patch readers, tell downtown business owners what you think. Would you be more likely to shop downtown if the hours were later?