Govt to allow retail shops open round the clock

The year seems to be action-packed for the retail industry. Not only on growth side, but also on the policy side. After reconsidering its stand on foreign investment in multi-brand retail, the Center has now started work on reviewing the Shops and Establishments Act. The industry wants that the law allow retailers to keep their establishments open on all 365 days of the year and they should be treated on a par with the services sector. Sections 10 and 11 of the Act restrict open hours of shops from 5 am to 8.30 pm but now it feels stores should be allowed to open 24×7, since such restrictions lead to heavy wastage of fruits and vegetables. Voila! This shoping-round-the-clock opportunity will provide a bigger business to signage companies engaging in in-store operations.