The Suva Retailers Association has called on retailers in the capital city to extend their operating hours to prevent parents from rushing to do back-to-school shopping for the new school year.
Association President Jitesh Patel is urging retailers to open their shops on Sunday, acknowledging that many parents, especially those travelling from rural areas, need additional time to gather school supplies.
Patel says this effort is aimed at easing the burden on families who face challenges in balancing their travel and preparation needs.
He says they understand that parents from rural areas often struggle to find the time to shop during regular hours, and by opening on Sunday, they are providing them with an opportunity to shop at their convenience.
The president has also called on the presence of police as it will ensure the safety of both retailers and customers and encourage more families to shop without concerns.
He also thanked retailers for their cooperation and urged parents to make use of the extended hours to complete their Back-to-School shopping ahead of time.
With the school term starting on the 27th of this month, families can now look forward to a smoother preparation process, thanks to the collective effort of retailers and authorities in Suva.
