Old City markets remain dull
Few customers seen in shops except general stores
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to haunt people indiscriminately, it also costs a fortune for umpteen businessmen who make their living by selling all sorts of things.
Though the government has extended lockdown relaxation for seven hours a day, shops have been witnessing a low footfall and customers prefer to sit at home rather than throning public places. Shopkeepers were found sitting idle and waiting for customers in otherwise busy market areas in the city. The Old City markets are usually abuzz with customers but now facing less turnout.
Though traders and shopkeepers welcomed the government’s decision to increase the relaxation period during lockdown, not many customers are seen in shops other than kirana and general stores. They said they were opening shops early in the mornings, but customers’ response was disappointing.
Major markets of garments, jewellery, furniture, electronics and home utensils in the Old City are open, but these shops are witnessing a low footfall of customers. Due to travel restrictions, tourists and customers from districts are almost absent from main markets.
The restriction on weddings and functions also affects their businesses badly. People are shopping only for essential commodities, not non-essential items such as jewellery, clothes, electronics and furniture. Most markets rely on customers looking for nonessential items.
Mohammed Anwar of Anwar Collections, Pathargatti, said since last year his business collection was poor.
The families who purchased clothes up to ₹ 4-5 lakhs for weddings were now purchasing garments less than Rs 1 lakh, he said.
Mohammed Ghouse of Mujeeb Jewellers, Gulzar Houz, said this was wedding season and people used to buy gold and jewellery on a large scale, but now were postponing weddings due to lockdown restrictions.
Waseem Anjum, a furniture maker, said his business reduced to almost nil, but was opening shop hoping for customers. “We are not in a position to pay the rents of shops and the salary of staff. There is a huge decline in the furniture business. The main reason is the restrictions on weddings,” he said.
Mirza Azam Baig of United Mobiles, Jagdish Market, said his business was badly hit due to the lockdown. “Due to lockdown, people have become calculative and are spending cautiously. Customers are not showing interest in having the latest version of phones,” he said.