Most Valletta shops say it will be business as usual on Monday
But others say it is not worth doing business when post-election celebrations are taking place
Monday will be a normal day for most businesses in Valletta, as thousands of people are expected to flood the capital city to celebrate the election results and see the prime minister swearing in.
Hours after Naxxar’s counting hall is swamped with people, crowds take to the streets of Valletta to watch the leader of the winning party be sworn in by the President of Malta at the Grandmaster’s Palace.
The crowds will be more interested in catching a glimpse of the newly sworn-in Prime Minister, rather than checking for bargains in shop windows.
Despite the possible lack of shopping, most businesses plan to open as usual.
Malta Chamber of SMEs Chief Operations Officer Andrew Aquilina said that while most retail clothing shops plan to open as usual, a number of jewellery shops are expected to keep their shutters down.
“It’s unlikely anyone coming to Valletta on Monday will be going to these high-end jewellery shops,” Aquilina said, explaining the owner’s decision not to open.
He said some also chose to remain closed due to concerns over expected large crowds and possible disruptions in the streets.
He said that, overall, food and beverages will remain open and are likely to do well on the day.
The Malta Chamber’s media and communications strategist, Rachel Bondi Attard, echoed Aquilina’s comments, noting that most of jewellery shops found in Republic Street will be closed on Monday.
She said most retail fashion outlets planned to remain open, while others would decide depending on how the day unfolded.
“Some shops have decided that if shops are closed or chaos ensues, they might close early,” she said.
Owner of men’s clothing shop Vigo, Michael Camenzuli, said that, like previous Mondays after an election, he does not plan on opening the shop.
“I never open the Monday after a general election; it’s not worth the hassle, as many won’t be here to shop but to celebrate,” he said.
The owner of Galea’s Art Studio in Republic Street, Pierre Galea, said he would open and see what the atmosphere would be like.
“We usually come in and see what the situation is like,” he said.