As we kick off the new year, many Zimbabwean businesses are busy setting growth targets. However, many will fail to reach them—not because of a lack of demand, but because of ‘outdated operating hours.’
It is a long-standing critique of our local economy that we shut down exactly when our customers are ready to spend. If you want to outperform the competition this year, it is time to stop operating like it’s 1990 and start looking at how global hubs like the UAE, Singapore, and China dominate their markets.
1. The Retail Revenue Leak
If your shop opens at 08:00 and closes at 17:00, you are effectively hiding from your customers.
The Reality is that your “potential clients” are also at work during those hours.
The Advice is to extend your closing times to 19:00 or 20:00. Capture the “after-work” rush.
The Weekend Rule
In 2026, no retail shop should be closed on weekends. Saturday and Sunday are the only days most families can shop together. Closing on these days is not just a missed opportunity; it is a gift to your competitors.
2. Operational Efficiency & Infrastructure
We see it every year: road rehab and painting happening at 10:00 AM on a Tuesday. This causes gridlock, delays deliveries, and frustrates many people.
It is high time we follow the lead of nations like Egypt or the UAE, where heavy maintenance is a night-time activity.
Our Business Advice.
As a private entity, schedule your own office maintenance, deliveries, and “loud” repairs for off-peak hours. Do not let your own maintenance kill your team’s productivity during their most creative hours.
3. Transitioning to a 24-Hour Mindset
Modernising your business hours is not just about convenience—it’s about making money.
A city that sleeps at 5:00 PM is a city with a stagnant economy.
A business that is open when its customers are free is a business that thrives.
The 2026 New Year Challenge
While this issue has been brought forward by many before, 2026 should be the year we finally act on it. Do not wait for a policy change—be the leader in your sector. Adjust your shifts, stay open when others close, and watch your revenue grow.
Let us all, for once, stop complaining and start opening our doors to it.
Cheers.
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