Jaipur: Shopkeepers open outlets but customers scared

JAIPUR: Overcoming the coronavirus scare, markets here have reopened, but owners are faced with the difficult task of repairing the broken demand-supply chain.
Most of the shopkeepers were sitting idle in Walled City and areas outside at their shops after the lock-down restrictions were eased out. According to the shopkeepers, the business of those selling non-essential products had dipped up to 85%.
Vickey Jhajlani , who owns a bangle shop in Johari Bazaar said, “Trading in the Walled City, which was considered as a shopping hub, has been badly hit after the more than two-month lockdown. Though shops are open, residents are scared to come out. It will take time to revive.”
The Walled City, which attracts tourists and locals for various items including handicraft, clothing and other items, is now being avoided by people as they are still living in fear. Ajay Rao, a jeweller in Walled City said, “In last two months, we did not have any orders due to the pandemic.”
Traders believe it will take atleast three months for the market to recover. Tripolia Baazar Vyapar Mandal president Rajendra Gupta said, “Although the lockdown has been eased, the market will gain momentum once all activities are back on track and spending power is regained by the customer.”
However, shopowners providing services including plumbers, electricians, mechanics and ironsmiths and others appeared to be thriving as they are in high demand after 72 days of lockdown. With shortage of skilled labourers, these services have now been taken over by the locals.
Raman Saini, who owns an iron workshop near Ramganj said, “We have sufficient number of orders to sustain. A lot of our workers have returned to their native places leaving us with no option but to hire locals.”