Night shopping evokes good response in Kochi

Kochi, Aug 24 (UNI) Started on an experimental basis for the first time in Kerala, night shopping has elicited an ''overwhelming response" here with traders reporting a 30 per cent increase in sales on the very first day.

The Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry launched night shopping for nine days from August 22 as part of Onam festivities.

The main shopping hubs of M G Road, Marine Drive and Broadway are open till midnight.

''We were expecting it to build up slowly. But on the first day itself, the shops registered a 30 per cent increase in sales,'' KCCI Secretary S A Mansoor told UNI today.

''Almost 90 per cent of the white goods, textiles and footwear shops are open on M G Road. Even optical shops open during that time got customers,'' Mr Mansoor said.

In an interesting fallout, the experiment has resulted in job opportunities for college students, he said. As current labour laws do not allow women to be put on night shifts, except in specified sectors, some shops hired college students for the night hours.

Mr Mansoor said even engineering and MBA students had registered with the chamber to work in shops to earn an extra bucks.

''We have sent almost 60 students in the past two days to shops looking for temporary hands,'' he added.

Asked if night shopping will be made a permanent affair in Kochi and extended to other Kerala cities, Mr Mansoor said the Chamber would think about it in light of the ''wonderful reponse'' of the people.

However, making this a permanent exercise would involve coordination with the Labour Department, he added.

Praising the city administration and police for their support, Mr Mansoor said the police had made an elaborate security arrangements so that night-time shopper did not feel unsafe.

The Chamber had hired 16 buses to transport people to various areas in the city, he added.

Describing it as a good idea, a young couple shopping on M G Road said they had been avoiding coming to the area for shopping due to the huge traffic jams during the day.

''At least there is more breathing space at this time. Also, it is good that some restaurants are also keeping open till late for us night birds,'' they added.

Mr Mansoor said with Kochi slated to emerge as a hub for the IT sector in the coming years, night shopping would be a boon for working couples and those working in shifts.

UNI