Terror strikes killjoy in Pettah’s retail trade

Continued from page 1 but the Easter Sunday bombings saw a mix of crosscurrents in shopper behaviour. The recent mob violence in the North Western province did nothing to boost discretionary spending amid the government shutdown, the shop owners and proprietors said.

Laxman Mendis, Proprietor, Prince Trade Centre noted on Tuesday that sales are down since April 25 and during the past two days it was down to as much as 90 per cent.

The paint sellers in byroads near Malwatte Road lamented that it’s a case of survival now. "We know the government is doing its part to keep us safe, but how are we keeping our businesses safe and running?" M. Munir, a paint distributor and seller asked.

The outlook in otherwise busy Pettah streets was bleak. Those streets steaming with shoppers and bargain hunters in any given day of the week were not as full of activity.

Fruit and vegetable vendors at the Manning Market were disappointed that they may not be able to make ends meet. “I believe everybody in the industry is hoping for the authorities to be more effective in guaranteeing security in the country. So far, the trend is not promising," L. Jayawathi, a vegetable vendor said, adding that she wasn’t able to sell potatoes for four days. Her friend Wilfred selling fruits at the adjoining place noted that many are still apprehensive about coming towards the Pettah area.

Most retailers are already in cost-cutting mode and some are even looking at exiting the business - lock, stock and barrel. (DEC)