THE gradual easing of Covid-19 induced lockdown restrictions has brought relief to local businesses that see this as an opportunity to maximise production as well as boost sales volumes as they recover from the negative effects of the pandemic.
Companies listed on the
Acting President Constantino Chiwenga on Tuesday announced that the relaxed level two lockdown, introduced in September from level four lockdown, would be extended by a further two weeks. Under the level two lockdown, businesses are allowed to trade between
This, the companies say, is expected to enhance economic activity and boost disposable incomes. Already, there has been notable improvements in sales volumes across sectors as trading hours were increased in line with the easing of the national lockdown restrictions.
Retailers such as
But the easing of restrictions and increased trading hours have been a welcome development with management upbeat of cashing in on the improved trading conditions especially during the festive period.
"The business resumed normal trading hours up to
Despite losses in the January, February and June trading months the business is profitable overall with inflation adjusted and historic profits of
Management looks forward to better trading conditions in October to December, which is traditionally our busiest and most profitable period," said the clothing retailer in an update for the half year to
At fast food giant
Its local operations had to navigate three waves of Covid-19 and resultant operating time restrictions, which included curfews, limitations on sitting capacity and restrictions on trading hours, which culminated in
Most severely affected were the casual dining, sit-in restaurants and transit sites due to inter-city travel restrictions. But the relaxation of the restrictions are expected to pay dividends for the group especially during the festive period which is characterised by increased spending by holiday makers.
Although currently not active on the bourse,
"The economic conditions during the financial year under review were slowed down by partially relaxed Covid-19 induced restrictions to gatherings, travel, and business trading hours.
"The regional countries relaxed the lockdowns in response to the subsiding second wave Covid-19 infections rates, which had a positive impact on the export business.
The reassuring recovery in the
For industrial giant
"Notwithstanding current market dynamics, the group continued to deliver positive volume growth across most categories, supported by recent investment and business optimisation initiatives.
"Towards the latter part of the quarter under review, the trading environment was enhanced by the gradual removal of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions; this was a positive development for the group's operations," said company secretary
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