Downtown Glen Ellyn open longer

Downtown Glen Ellyn retailers are joining forces to attract more foot traffic.

Starting Thursday, at least 16 businesses will offer core hours. The idea is to keep a bulk of downtown stores open longer to liven up the area and lure more customers.

The core hours were developed after results of a recent survey showed there's a general perception that downtown shops close early.

Every business continues to have its own set of hours. However, now many shops have agreed to be open during the following times:

• 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday

• 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday

• 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday

• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

• noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

As a result of the core hours, Danielle Gerke said her downtown jewelry store, Georgia Rae, now be will open Sundays and stay open for an extra hour daily.

"I felt like it's important to be a member of the retail community here," Gerke said. "If it helps downtown, then I think I should do it."

Gerke admits the longer hours won't be easy, but she's up for the challenge.

"It's worth it because I think people that often go to the mall are maybe going to stop here first," Gerke said.

Al Haffar, owner of Villa Bianca, also signed on to offer extended hours.

"We're hoping that the Glen Ellyn residents would actually do 70 to 80 percent of their shopping in downtown Glen Ellyn," Haffar said. "We love Glen Ellyn. We love the consumers in Glen Ellyn. And we'd like to see them come down and participate in the downtown business district."

If you go…

What: Core business hours in downtown Glen Ellyn

When: Starts 9 a.m. Thursday

Participating stores: Knickers of Glen Ellyn, M and Em's, AliKat, Costello Jeweler, Georgia Rae, Good Works Gallery, Villa Bianca, Renaissance Art Studio, Giggles 'n Gaggles, The Bookstore, Bundles of Books & Gifts, Glen Ellyn Running Co., Cabernet & Company, Glen Oak Family Restaurant, Hone Café and Curves for Women.

Information: Visit www.edc.glen-ellyn.com.