Sales have fallen by more than 50%, rue Mohali businessmen

Akash Ghai

Tribune News Service

Mohali, March 16

Bustling with activity a fortnight ago, vacant shops in Mohali markets speak volumes of corona fear.

The claims made by local businesspersons point at more than 50 per cent dip in sales/footfall at shops except grocery stores and chemists.

According to Sarabjit Singh Paras, founder member of the All India Jewellers and Goldsmiths Federation, and general secretary of the Mohali Beopar Mandal, jewellers in the local area were witnessing a substantial dip of nearly 70 per cent in their business of late.

“The coronavirus threat has virtually hit us hard. Nobody is visiting our jewellery shops these days. There is no sale,” claimed Paras.

Expressing similar sentiments, Jatinder Pal Singh, president, Phase 3B2 Market Association, said their market was one of the busiest markets in the city. “These days it has been wearing a deserted look for obvious reason. Most shopkeepers in our market are sitting idle. Certainly business has witnessed a huge dip due to the coronavirus threat,” claimed Jatinder.

The association would set up a special counter, where sanitiser would be available for customers/visitors, he added.

Another local businessman, Rameen Nanda, who runs a chemist shop at Phase 7, said there was considerable increase in demand for paracetamol, masks and sanitisers. “Certainly, number of customers at chemist and grocery shops has increased as people are buying medicines and grocery in bulk,” said Rameen Nanda.

“If such a situation continues during coming days, several shopkeepers will be forced to close their businesses,” said Jatinder Pal Singh.