Despite relaxations, few customers turn to markets

BQ: ‘Hygiene maintained’

Though efforts are being made for maintaining hygiene and sanitisation is being done, only three to four customers are coming against 30-40 before the Covid outbreak. Suraj, a salon owner

Our Correspondent

Hamirpur, June 27

Calm prevails at markets in the town, despite the relaxations by the government under the unlock 1.0, as the business activity stands still. The businessmen in the town were most worried as no or fewer customers were turning to the markets. The business activity in the town was dependent on the customers visiting here from the surrounding villages. But following the Covid outbreak, the lockdown in the state continued from March 22 till May 31. Though the suppliers of ration, food items, fruits, vegetables, milk products and medicine had some respite as they were under essential items and could make gains in this period, the traders linked with various sectors such as cloth, garments, stationary, restaurants and salons were badly hit and were expecting to make some gains after the relaxations from June 1.

Notably, despite relaxations people were scared to venture out in the market and there is still no hope of business for the traders. Pardeep Kumar from a garment outlet said people were avoiding shopping even for events such as weddings and other functions. He said fashion and luxury items were gathering dust and only casual lower pants and pyjamas were in demand. Suraj, a salon owner, said people were hesitating to come for haircuts too. He said though efforts were being made for maintaining hygiene and sanitisation was being done, only three to four customers were coming against 30-40 before the Covid outbreak.

The situation at private dental clinics was also no different. While, building material and hardware shops had started gaining momentum, said Vijay, a hardware store owner.