Shopping hours in Suva have been extended as Suva Retailers Association and Suva City Council work together this festive season.

Suva Retailer Association president Jitesh Pratel said he expected businesses in Suva to push beyond 6pm and some even 7pm.

“Extended shopping hours mean more time for people to shop.”

“It is good for business and it is good for the customers,” he said.

“People can beat the Christmas rush, employees will go home with more pay.”

Market Hours Extended
Suva City Municipal Market is now open until 6pm and will be open on Saturday December 25.

The Nabua market will also open until 6pm and open on Saturday as well.

The two markets will however be closed on Sunday and for the public holidays next week.

The Raiwaqa and the Bailey Bridge Mini Markets will trade on Sunday December 26 and on the public holidays.

The Lami Municipal Market is open until 7pm this week and trading will resume on Saturday.

From Thursday December 23, the Navua Market will open until 6pm and also be open this Saturday.

Vendors in Suva and other areas have welcomed this decision.

Vendor Moreen Khan said longer opening hours were good and welcomed the prospect of making more money for Christmas.

Joana Rarabici, a temporary vendor, said she was able to make more money and hoped that extended hours could become a permanent feature for markets.

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