Rethinking market closure hours

The government's directive requiring many shops and shopping malls to close by 7:00 p.m. was introduced with wider economic and energy-related considerations in mind. However, from a practical business perspective, it may be time to review whether the current timing remains suitable for today's economic realities.

A significant portion of consumers in urban areas are service holders whose working hours often extend until late afternoon or evening. By the time they leave their offices and navigate traffic, reaching a shopping destination before 7:00 p.m. becomes difficult. As a result, many potential purchases are postponed or cancelled altogether.

This challenge is particularly visible in the retail and premium consumer segments, where customers frequently prefer to physically visit stores before making purchasing decisions.

Reduced customer footfall during peak evening hours directly affects sales revenue. For small and medium-sized retailers, every lost transaction matters. Lower sales translate into reduced cash generation, making it more difficult for businesses to meet operating expenses, maintain inventories, and support workforce-related costs.

The impact extends beyond individual businesses. When cash inflows weaken, companies may face greater challenges in servicing bank loans and other financial obligations. This can indirectly influence overall business confidence and financial sector performance. Sustained growth requires healthy cash flow, and healthy cash flow depends on sufficient opportunities for businesses to serve customers.

A balanced review of the current policy could therefore be beneficial. Extending market operating hours to 9:00 p.m. or even 10:00 p.m., particularly in major commercial areas, may better align with the lifestyle of working consumers while supporting business activity. Such a move could help increase sales, strengthen cash flow, and contribute positively to economic momentum without requiring significant additional investment.

Md. Zakaria

FAVP & Credit Analyst

CRM-CMSME Division , NCC Bank PLC, Head Office