Retailers have implored the government to review their business hours following the recent extension of the Level Four COVID-19 lockdown by a further two weeks.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) president Denford Mutashu said they are appealing for an extension of operating hours from the current 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Said Mutashu:
We strongly believe that this humble appeal will go a long way in alleviating the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on business as costs have been on an unrelenting upward trajectory.
Retailers have also appealed for the extension of the curfew time due to increased customer and vehicle congestion as working hours are coinciding with retail shops’ closing times.
Mutashu said this is resulting in transportation and access to food problems.