In pics: Hours after GST rollout, Mumbaiites go on a shopping spree

Mumbai city news: Here’s a look at how people took advantage of the best deals in town

With supermarkets in Mumbai offering lucrative discounts on groceries and staples, just hours after the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was rolled out at midnight on Friday, here’s a look at how people took advantage of the best deals in town:

Scores of Thane residents flocked to a nearby mall early on Saturday. (Praful Gangurde)

A mall in Matunga was shut for three hours until midnight on Friday to prepare for the GST rollout and update their billing systems. (Pramod Thakur/ HT)

Several malls in the city wore a deserted look prior to midnight. (Pramod Thakur/ HT)

Post midnight, however, customers lured by the various discounts and other incentives flocked to this mall in Matunga, which stayed open from 12 am to 2 am. (Pramod Thakur/ HT)

Even if luxury items will now attract the 28% tax, high-end luxury malls are hoping to attract customers with offers of free hotel stays, salon services, drinks and discount vouchers.

Thane residents flock to a shop, in the hopes of grabbing apparel for low rates. (Praful Gangurde)

Several shopping centres were packed, with residents trying to get the most out of their visit. (Praful Gangurde)

It was a good time to stock up on essential goods at throwaway rates. (Praful Gangurde)

Restauranteurs in the city hoped prices would go down marginally, in the absence of a separate service tax and value added tax (VAT).

Toto’s Garage, a Bandra-based restaurant and pub, opened its doors at midnight and welcomed thrilled patrons. (Pramod Thakur/ HT)

The prices of movie tickets have also reduced, which makes this a good time to catch the latest movie over the weekend.

Chitra Cinema in Dadar expects a large turnout today. (Kunal Patil/HT)