For the last 15 days, there has been an increase in the sale of clothes in malls and markets
Increase in customer inflow and sales
According to mall spokespersons, business has been better in the last 15 days. Ramesh Pandey, whole-time director of Ambuja Neotia Group, said, “There has been a rise of about 40% in the number of people visiting City Centre I and II and a 30% increase in sales.” He added that they are also holding events and exhibitions, in which participants from Shantiniketan are coming to display their goods.
Acropolis Mall, which reopened in August after being shut following a fire, is also seeing an increase in Puja shoppers. “Our Puja campaign launched last week has received an encouraging response. Though footfalls in August were down by about 30% compared to last year, they are picking up now. Half-yearly exams are set to end next week, so we expect even more footfalls,” said Subhadeep Basu, GM of the mall. Man Mohan Bagri, VP, South City Projectstold us that business is getting back to normal and shoppers are coming back to the mall since last weekend. “We expect good business this weekend. We are trying to attract shoppers with social media campaigns and promotional offers and have also decorated the mall to spread the festive atmosphere,” he said. He further added that the food court and restaurants in the mall premises are also now getting normal customers on weekends. “Weekdays are still a bit dull,” he said. Abhirup Saha, director of a saree retailer in Gariahat, told us that business is steadily improving. “We expect even more customers to come on weekends,” he said.
“We expect more business after Vishwakarma Puja,” said Taraknath Basak, owner of two children’s clothing stores on Rashbehari Avenue. “Whatever happens, every family will buy new clothes for children, especially during Durga Puja,” he added.
‘The tradition of gift-giving must continue’
Some of the shopkeepers we spoke to want justice for the RG Kar victim, but believe that lives and traditions should not be disrupted due to this incident. IT professional Amit Sen said, “I did my own shopping for all the family members. We completely agree with the demand for justice, but our economy should not suffer due to this.” PR professional Bhagyashree Roychowdhury agreed, saying, “We still have caregivers, elderly family members and children at home. Since Puja is the only occasion when I can give them something, I have resolved to continue the tradition. I bought Puja gifts for them from Gariahat and New Market, as they expect something else from me at this time of the year.”
According to homemaker Anukriti Sharma, festivals are for children and that also means new clothes, especially for the underprivileged. “I have two maids and both have two children each. Every Puja I give them new clothes and this year too I am doing so. They are children, they don’t understand offence and protest; they wait the whole year for some new clothes and stationery and I cannot deprive them of this joy,” she said, adding that she is also buying new clothes for her eight-year-old son.
Wholesalers back in business
Traders on Free School Street and Sadar Street are heaving a sigh of relief as wholesale trade is also picking up. “Traders from Bangladesh, Assam, Asansol and Jharkhand come to Kolkata to buy clothes and other products in bulk for the festive season. In August, they were avoiding travelling to the city due to the protests, but now, we are back to business,” said Mohammed Hussain, owner of a sari shop on Free School Street.
‘Protests are an economic setback for small traders’
The protests, which have been keeping shoppers away from the city’s markets for over a month, have hit traders hard. “Of course, we want justice for the woman doctor, but this is the time when many hawkers do some business that helps them run their families throughout the year. In this way, Puja shopping in Kolkata is more than just a tradition; it boosts the local economy. It supports countless small businesses and artisans,” said Debraj Ghosh, general secretary of the Gariahat Indira Hawkers Union. “We hope more shoppers come to the market this weekend. Otherwise, it will be a big economic blow to traders.”
Kolkata Metro to run more trains
The Kolkata Metro is running additional trains from Saturday to cater to the weekend shopping rush. According to the official circular, 262 trains will run on September 14 and 21 instead of the usual 234, 288 trains will run on September 28 and October 5 instead of 234, and 196 trains will run on September 15, 22, 29 and October 10 instead of 130.
We are now seeing more customers in the morning, as most buyers do not know when and where the protests and rallies will take place
– Taraknath Basak, owner of a children’s clothing store in Gariahat
We all want justice, but at the same time we must also think about those whose livelihood depends on the business done at this time of the year. – Dr. Piya Nandi, healthcare professional
The month of August was tough for us. We were really scared because we had stocked up for the festive season and there was no business. But things are getting back to normal since last week – Biplab Kumar, owner of a shoe shop in New Market
