A number of retail outlets across the city have been closing earlier than usual over the past few days due to the weather.
The country has experienced a rainy spell for nearly a week, which is now being followed by cold, windy conditions marked by a sharp drop in temperatures.
Some retail operators said they are not receiving too many customers late in the evening and are therefore, calling it a day earlier than usual.
Some salons, butcheries, laundries and other establishments - which usually function until late - are closing their doors a little earlier now.
“Except for groceries and restaurants, most other retailers are shutting for the day before the normal closure time owing to the dearth of customers,” said the operator of a construction materials store in Najma. A garment store owner echoed this view.
A hairdresser said he had been closing his shop at least two hours earlier since the beginning of last week. He said usually theirs is the last shop to close in the area and the usual working hours extend until 1am. However, now he is leaving by 11pm.
A butchery business said they, too, are closing at least two hours early as the weather has forced many people to stay indoors.
Even many laundries, which usually work until midnight, are not operating after 10.30pm in some areas.
A Pakistani expatriate who runs a tailoring outlet said he was closing his shop at least two hours early.
With temperatures dipping at night, most shopkeepers feel the trend is likely to continue for a few more days.
However, cafeterias and other eateries are keeping their doors open until midnight as usual. “It is not that we are receiving many customers. If we close earlier regular customers may take it differently,” said a restaurant operator.
Meanwhile, a Mansoura resident said he - and many others - were returning home early due to the weather. “First, it was raining heavily in the evenings and now it is very cold. So it’s better to avoid staying out late,” he added.
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