Retailers in Suva have been encouraged to extend opening hours to allow more shopping time for consumers.

Retailers in Suva have been encouraged to extend opening hours to allow more shopping time for consumers.

Suva City Council Chair, Isikeli Tikoduadua says individual retailers will soon be announcing new business hours for the Christmas season.

He says this will enable people to shop at their leisure and reduce the last-minute rush which has become common.

The SCC will also be removing illegal roadside vendors to ensure there is no impediment to pedestrian access in busy areas.

The Suva Retailers Association has confirmed most of its members will be open for shoppers knocking off work late – or only able to do so in weekends.

Police patrols in the Capital have also been stepped up for the festive season.