RETAILERS were yesterday happy that the newest curfew change taking effect today does not prevent customers from shopping and gives workers sufficient time to get home from work.

And while they say they are seeing increased sales, some retailers say higher international shipping costs may soon have a knock-on affect on the prices of consumer goods.

On Monday night, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced that beginning today, a 9pm to 5am curfew would be imposed in both New Providence and Grand Bahama. Previously the curfew began at 10pm.

Nicole Aranha, operations manager at Lorene’s told The Tribune yesterday the company could breathe a sigh of relief that business will be able to continue as usual.

“People need time after work to just pick up something or make a quick run and get home. So, yes, I am glad that it wasn’t any earlier than that,” Ms Aranha said.

It is good news since Lorene’s, a clothing store, is also seeing a slight uptick in sales.

“It’s starting to pick up because I guess people need to get stuff now and travelling is such a hard issue. So, they are shopping at home, which is good, that’s besides online.”

Still, she said the store could be challenged in that prices may increase.

“The gentleman that picks up the shipments did say the cost of shipping containers went up. So, yes, it could cause prices to rise because business is already hurting from the year off having no business. They’re gonna have to pass it on to the customer.”

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