City stores to close early today for the Games

By Yang Lifei  |   2008-8-8  |     ONLINE EDITION

SOME stores and cinemas will close early today so that customers and workers can watch the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games tonight, Xinmin Evening News reported.

Large department stores on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall have put up notices at entrances to announce the shortened business hours. Shanghai No. 1 Department Store, Oriental Department Store and Bailian Shimao International Plaza will close at 6:30pm and New World Department Store at 7pm. Some food shops including No. 1 Food Store will close at 6pm.

Meanwhile, cinemas will also close about 6pm as many are located inside large department stores.

``The Olympics are a great event and everyone wants to watch it. Few people are expected at the cinema tonight,'' an insider told Xinmin Evening News. ``By closing early, it also gives our employees the chance to watch the opening ceremony.''