With Eid celebrations approaching, Kolkata's markets have extended their working hours to meet the growing rush of shoppers during Ramzan. Many markets are now staying open late at night, especially on weekends, to provide greater convenience during the festive season.
Seasonal Ramzan bazaars have been set up in several neighborhoods like Zakaria Street, Park Circus, Ripon Street, and Garden Reach, operating till midnight, as per a TOI report. These special bazaars attract large crowds after Iftar, offering a wide range of items, including clothing, footwear, accessories, and food. As many people prefer shopping in the evening after breaking their fast, these markets provide an alternative to regular markets, which usually close by 8.30 PM.
Retailers are hopeful that the extended hours will drive sales during the festive season. "Longer working hours will allow us to cater to more customers, which is likely to boost business," said Syed Akbar Hussain, secretary of the Shop Owners' Association at Vardaan Market, Camac Street.
Popular stores like V Mart, M Bazar, New Market, Treasure Island, and Sreeram Arcade have also extended their operating hours to cater to the festive rush. "We plan to extend the market hours further during the last 15 days of Ramzan," said Mohammad Rahil, a retailer at Treasure Island.
Further, a member of the Simpark Mall Shop Owners' Association said, "To ensure shoppers have enough time to buy everything they need, we have extended the market hours. The market will operate till 9.30 pm until March 10, and from March 11 onwards, the closing time will be extended to 11 pm to accommodate the festive rush”, he further stated."