Markets extend work hours to cater to puja shopping rush in Kolkata

Kolkata: With shoppers thronging malls and markets after office hours for Durga Puja shopping, traders and shopkeepers across the city decided to extend their working hours to manage rush and maximise sales. From New Market to Gariahat, the city's busiest shopping hubs are already witnessing higher footfalls every evening. Some malls have also extended their operational hours. New Market will remain open on all days till Durga Puja. The closing time too has been extended till 9.30 pm. "This is a good time for business, so naturally, we want to make the most of the opportunity" said Akbar Hossain, a shop owner in New Market. Treasure Island on Madge Lane, one of the popular shopping destinations, which usually remains closed on Sundays, decided to keep its doors open every day until the festival. "This is the busiest season of the year, and there is a huge rush of buyers on Sundays as it is a holiday," said Nandini Das, a member of the shop owners' association. Simpark Mall near New Market, another major attraction for puja shoppers, is making a similar adjustment. Normally shut on Mondays, the mall will now remain open on Mondays until Ashtami, with closing time extended till 9 p.m. "These changes will give a significant boost to the business," said a trader. Even roadside hawkers at Gariahat and New Market will keep their stalls open until 10 pm every day until the festival. "People come here after office, and the evening crowd is huge. Staying open late will help us earn more," said Raju Das, a hawker at Gariahat. In Hatibagan, another traditional hub for puja shopping, shops are preparing to keep their shutters up beyond 9 pm every evening. "This is the one time of year when everyone shops," said Anirban Chatterjee, a shop owner in Hatibagan. "The extra time is not just a convenience but a necessity," said Bidisha Aich, a shopper at New Market.

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