Cold weather affects retail business

With mercury dropping considerably across Qatar over the last three days, many retail establishments are closing earlier than usual in the evening.Sources in the retail industry told Gulf Times that the number of customers has dwindled late in the evenings on account of the colder weather.In some Doha locations, where many shops stay open late into the night, most establishments other than grocery shops, restaurants and supermarkets, are now winding up their daily operations earlier.Some of the gents beauty saloons in such areas as Najma and Umm Ghuwaliana, usually open until midnight, have been closing early over the past three days. At least three operators said it is meaningless to expect customers late in the evenings, given the colder weather conditions.In business locations as Souq Al-Haraj and Souq Al-Jaber also retail operators are closing their shops early. Those who are in the retail distribution of essentials to groceries too have curtailed their evening activities in a big way. Some such suppliers are also starting their daily activities a little late. One of them said some of his clients (groceries) who usually begin their daily operations before 6am are now opening late.Many small tailoring shops, patronised mainly by the locals, especially in the evenings, are also ending their day much earlier.Inquiries also found very few viewers are present in some of the multiplexes even for shows starting between 5.30 and 6pm.Though most eateries remain open until midnight, the number of customers has drastically fallen, it is learnt.