Pebbles, colourfully put... and your observations are as valid as anyone, but....
I keep detailed records of my own opening hours, and I liaise with those shops that surround me.
Last July, I personallly opened til 8pm on 12 days in July, and never closed before 7pm on any day.
However, the Ceramics and Collectables shop opened MUCH later than me, and were always open when I closed.
I thought they were mad, but they said they enjoyed it,and got the odd customer.
Now, they close by 5pm everyday.... and say goodnight to me, and I am the the last one open, closing at 6pm.
The Jokes shop often paid a member of staff to stay til 9pm, but again they have ceased to do that this year.