MONCTON, N.B. – The loss of a major retail anchor isn’t dampening the spirits of downtown merchants as they gear up for the Christmas shopping season.

This is the first holiday shopping season since The Bay closed its doors, and Downtown Moncton Centreville Inc Executive Director Anne Poirier Basque says she hopes holiday shoppers take time to explore the many shops and services in the downtown core.

She says merchants are hopeful shoppers will take the time to explore what the downtown has to offer.

She also says downtown businesses are looking forward to one of the busiest shopping days of the year, the annual Majesta Santa Clause Parade will be held November 24th.