For exhibitors, relaxations are too late, too little

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 16

Unlock 5 might have given a green signal to business to business exhibitions, social and cultural events, keeping in mind the cap on the number of visitors/attendees but the relief failed to cheer exhibitors and independent retail collaborators. Courtesy– the decision to reopen has come too late to make any difference.

The festive and wedding season usually begins October onwards and it’s the time when most fashion/lifestyle exhibitors and collaborators in city cash in on the mood and tendency to splurge by buyers. But this time around, Covid-19 pandemic has hit hard on the pockets of every section of society.

“|By this time of the year, we are usually over with four-five editions of our fashion retail exhibitions. Diwali and pre-Diwali season is also the wedding season and it’s a good time for business. But this year, there are no weddings happening and no buyers as economy has been hit hard. I had announced an exhibition for October 17 and 18 keeping in minds that unlock 5 would be announced by October 15. But I had to postpone the events as there is no buyer in the market and this is not the conducive time for a business specific exhibitions,” said Tannu Grover, a fashion and lifestyle exhibitor and organiser from city.

The exhibitors, who primarily consist of local and independent brands, are refraining from organising any events as health safety as well as economic viability of such exhibitions is very low. “The absence of any festivities, weddings and the overall mood of people is not quite upbeat. Our business is co-dependent on the market economy and the rotation of money. Though the businesses have reopened, the rotation of money is yet to begin and once it does, retail exhibitions are not good business option,” said Luvika Nayyar. Pop ups and virtual exhibits are already giving suitable options for buyers who can spend on some retail therapy.

“Also, the cap on number of visitors or people gathered at the event too is discouraging as it’s not possible for a business event to make profit with such a limited footfall,” she added.