Firms open till 9 p.m.

1956 More than 40 downtown firms remained open for business until 9 p.m. Thursday in an experiment aimed at determining whether Lubbock residents will utilize a late-shopping program.

Last night's portion of the experiment was termed a success after crowds jammed stores in the center of the city. Many patrons were brought to town by free bus service offered by the merchants, who chartered Lubbock Bus Co. lines between 6:30 and 9:15 p.m. Three downtown banks offered free use of parking lots to motorists.

"I think there's no doubt that late Thursday night shopping will continue," R.B. Alexander, temporary chairman of a downtown businessmen's organization, said.

Crowds were so large in some stores that the manager of one firm reported a greater volume of business than on the final Saturday before Christmas of 1955.