Tuesday, 15 June 2021 | PNS | Kotdwar
Shopkeepers are one of the hardest-hit by the Covid curfew. While some are seeing their customers back like before others are struggling to get customers. People’s preference for online shopping amidst the Covid crisis has made the situation more challenging for some shopkeepers.
Nisha Juyal, a homemaker on being asked about why she chooses to shop online she said, “There are so many options available online and return or exchange options are also available. More importantly, I don’t need to go to shops in such a risky situation. However I only shop for clothes and other home decoration stuff from an online platform, otherwise when it comes to groceries I always choose to go to the market and bring fresh vegetables and fruits for my family.”
A worker at a footwear shop in Kotdwar said, “On the first day of Covid-curfew relaxation we had only a few customers but now people are coming back like before as cases have dipped and people are feeling safe.”
On the other side, some shopkeepers are rarely seeing any customers but are hoping that with the unlocking process in the future gradually the business will come on track as before.
The owner of a Sari shop here, Santosh Singh said that he didn’t see many customers this time and those who come rarely buy something. He added, “There are only a few customers who rarely come to buy something. Since the beginning of the pandemic, our business has taken a severe hit. We had been suffering since the start of the pandemic.”
Another garment store owner shared a similar experience. Bantu Bisht, a local shopkeeper said, “This time especially it’s hard to do business. This second wave has already taken a lot from us. When the business was starting to pick up then suddenly due to the second wave another lockdown was announced. I hope things get better soon but I also heard predictions about the third wave. I don’t know what will happen to us if another wave hits us again.”
Secretary of Doon Udyog Vyapyar Mandal, Sunil Masson said, “Online shopping can never replace traditional shopping as it allows you to see and touch the products you are buying. We are seeing our customers back and I believe business will get better with time.”
On the extension of Covid-curfew till 22 June, he added, “Cases are falling but Covid is not over yet so gradually more relaxations are being given. Hopefully, if conditions become more favorable we might see full-time market openings in the future but for now, let’s just adhere to all the guidelines and stay safe.”
