MARKETING executive Jane Lim, 26, likes to sleep on Saturdays to “recuperate” from her hectic work week.

She heads out only in the evenings, and by the time she finishes dinner with her friends, most of the shopping places are closed.

“Usually, we’ll head to the movies or go for a drink after dinner,” says Ms Lim.

“It would be good if malls stay open later so there are more choices. Also, I really don’t have much time to shop during the week,” she says.

People like her can look forward to the Great Singapore Sale’s (GSS) late-night shopping, which will see some participating malls staying open till the late hours every weekend during the sale period from now to July 26.

The event is more than just longer operating hours — the participating malls and their tenants are also dangling freebies and exclusive discounts to entice shoppers to spend.

One of the malls, The Centrepoint, is keeping its tills ringing on Saturday nights by offering $5 shopping vouchers to its first 200 customers who spend a minimum of $100 between 7pm and 9pm.

The first 100 customers who do the same between 9pm and 11pm will receive a $10 voucher. Shoppers can also look forward to exclusive late-night discounts with the mall’s tenants, one of which is City Chain.

The watch retailer is offering 20 per cent off all house brands from 10pm to 11pm. Customers who spend $200 at the store will also receive an Everlast keychain worth $19.90.

At Wisma Atria, shopping hours are extended till 11pm every Saturday during the GSS. Shoppers will receive a free $5 shopping voucher with minimum $80 spent.

They will also get double chances in the mall’s lucky draw with every $50 purchase in a single charge slip.

The mall has also seen strong support from tenants in the latenight shopping event.

One of them is Lee Hwa Diamond Gallery, which is offering up to 50 per cent storewide discounts during the extended hours.

At Paragon, the late-night buzz is very much alive too.

Shoppers can enjoy live jazz performances by various performers at its front foyer at 7.30pm, 8.30pm and 9.30pm, every Saturday till end-August.

The mall’s spokesman says the first 100 shoppers who spend a minimum of $100 between 9pm and 11pm will enjoy free parking.

They will also receive a complimentary Marks & Spencer threepiece soap set.

HDB heartlanders who do not wish to travel far can join in the late-night retail therapy at suburban shopping centres like Jurong Point.

The mega-mall in the west is operating till 11pm every Saturday in June.

Its centre director of marketing, Mr William Seet, says the longer retail hours will benefit families who combine their shopping trips with social gatherings on weekends.

Shoppers at the mall who spend a minimum of $50 between 9pm and 11pm will enjoy complimentary parking, on top of a free $15 shopping voucher.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.