In India’s metro cities, mannequins and signboards are finally put up again. A familiar feeling of happiness takes over shopkeepers on Tuesday, as they begin preparations to welcome customers.
Retail awaits customers. Considering the piled-up losses and stocks, any business would be positive business. However, small store-owners estimate heavy price drops. Major metro cities have relaxed restrictions in the fourth phase of the Lockdown, barring Mumbai.
Many non-essential retailers have re-opened shop on Tuesday across the country. According to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), almost as many as 4.5 Crore establishments try to resume operations.
As additional precautions, stores have marked their fronts to implement social distancing.
With the unfortunate exception of Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi and Kolkata saw glimpses of life as it was in February 2020. The lack of uniformity in the guidelines on re-opening non-essential retail, will affect the familiar pace of life.
Karnataka and West Bengal have relaxed almost all restrictions, whilst Delhi chooses to follow the odd-even formula.
Unfortunately, the only thing Mumbaikars can do for now, is count the days till they can feel the familiarity of Mumbai.
All the hustle, and all its glory.