This means that brick-and-mortar retail establishments in the state can now keep their stores open 365 days a year, provided they comply with the statutory requirements laid down by the government, which include giving employees a weekly off and restricting work hours to 9 hours a day and no more than 48 hours a week.

Complimenting the state government on the pro-industry move, RAI CEO Kumar Rajagopalan said, “The exemption from weekly closure will go a long way in helping brick-and-mortar retailers in Maharashtra achieve their true potential. It is also good for the consumers as they now have the convenience of shopping all days of the year.”

Welcoming the decision, BS Nagesh, Chairman, RAI; Founder TRRAIN said, “We really thank the Chief Minister and the team for recognizing the importance of retail trade and its potential contribution towards consumption, growth and development. The decision to allow stores to stay open 365 days will not only increase consumption but will also increase customer satisfaction of the citizens as well as tourists. More importantly, it will aid in generating employment for young men and women in retail.”

Industry captains see this an encouraging sign for retail businesses in the state. “We are delighted at the positive step taken by the Government of Maharashtra to allow retailers to keep our stores open for 365 days. We at RAI are working very closely with the Government of Maharashtra on various issues connected with the retail industry and have always received a very positive response at every occasion,” Jamshed S Daboo, MD Trent Hypermarket Ltd said.

Commending the decision, Rakesh Biyani, Joint MD, Future Retail Ltd, said, “We thank the Government of Maharashtra for considering the demands of the retail business in today’s connected world. Keeping the stores open all days of the week will add to the convenience factor of consumers, and drive consumption, which is good for the economy. The decision will also help the economy by creating more employment in the sector, which is still a human capital-intensive industry.”

The notification is considered a landmark one as it amends criteria for traders laid down 80 years back. The socio-economic environment of the country has changed significantly since then and this notification allows retailers to match pace with the changing business dynamics.

Please find the notification attached here.