Speaking about this development, Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India (RAI), said, “Extended hours of operation are a win-win situation for consumers, businesses and the government. This step allows the consumers the flexibility to shop at their convenience. It will also give a boost to tourism in the state and will help create jobs. A vibrant retail environment is critical to the economic growth. We hope the government will soon allow all establishments to remain open 24x7 throughout the year.”

RAI delegation had a series of meeting with the Telangana Government to implement the notification issued by the state government for 24x7 store opening last year. It was highlighted that while the 24x7 notification was effective, the local police authorities did not recognise the notification and ask the business to shut operations early.

RAI has been working with various state governments for enabling Ease of Doing Business and has been pursuing various departments to adopt the State Retail Trade Policy and allow retailers to operate 24x7, in line with the state governments of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, RAI said in a press release.

Retail in India, which is expected to touch $2 trillion by 2032, continues to be one of the country’s largest industries that makes up for over 10 per cent of the GDP.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)