Extended hours a great relief for Mumbai businesses, noticeable rise in sales on Day 1 itself

Retailers and shopkeepers heaved a sigh of relief as the state permitted them to stay open for business till 10pm, a concession that was rolled back in March following the resurgence in Covid cases. Sales volumes rose perceptibly on the first day that shop timings were relaxed.

A trader in Andheri said the longer hours also freed them from the pressure of bribes and police harassment.

Housewives and office-goers were also pleased at being able to make purchases at their convenience, in the evening hours or after work. The earlier, tighter deadlines had caused them to compromise their schedules and, in fact, increased crowds in markets. Now buyers are likely to be dispersed over longer periods.

Shopping activity picked up at Malad, with several stopping by to indulge in street food. The Bata Shoes showroom in Khar witnessed a rise of 20% in sales Tuesday. For the first time in months, Bharatkshetra sari shop and Dadar Emporium in Dadar Market welcomed customers after dusk. This market would close by 8.30pm in the pre-Covid era.

In Irla, Mayur Shah, owner of Ella Garments, said, "I run a ladies' fashion store. Women have time to head out shopping only late afternoon once they complete their household chores. The authorities have done the right thing by extending timings. Employees have suffered salary cuts. Hopefully we will recover now."

Shah said even if the dreaded third wave of Covid sets in, the state should explore other options rather than closing non-essential shops entirely. "We could perhaps operate till 7pm or shut on weekends. But closing very early will jeopardise us again," he said.

Kishore Kulkarni, chairman of Chembur Merchants Association, reported a marginal increase in footfalls Tuesday. "Shopkeepers are ensuring that Covid appropriate behaviour is followed and each customer is wearing a mask and sanitising their hands. We wish that business continues uninterrupted now."

Mahendra Chhadva of Ritz Optician in Mulund said they were elated with the 10pm deadline but were not sure whether the order was applicable from Tuesday or Wednesday. "Some shopkeepers have paid fines up to Rs 12,000 so they are worried," he said. Hardik Gori, a grocer, said some traders shut shop at 4pm fearing that police may impose a fine.

Matunga corporator Nehal Shah said the decision to extend business hours was long overdue as traders were hard pressed to even manage shop rent on their meagre incomes.

Meanwhile, BMC commissioner I S Chahal Tuesday clarified that night curfew will continue from 11pm to 5am. There is no restriction on public movement the rest of the day but gatherings are prohibited. BMC said shops may function till 10pm throughout the week but malls will remain shut.