Call for shops to open on public holidays before Easter

The Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU has requested the Competitiveness Ministry to issue notices authorising shops and other retail outlets, including pharmacies, to open during normal shopping hours on Sunday, on Wednesday, a public holiday, and on Good Friday.

With the general election falling on March 8 and the aftermath ending yesterday, consumers delayed their pre-Easter shopping to the last week before the feast, the GRTU pointed out. This meant that, between this Saturday and the following, there were only five proper shopping days during which retail business would be allowed. "Given the particular circumstances and with two public holidays falling in the last week before Easter Sunday, the request is even more reasonable," the GRTU said.