Ad-Hoc Local Lockdowns Detrimental to Recovery of Indian Economy
Images Retail|September 2020
Although the intentions are that of citizen safety and social distancing, the recent instances of local lockdowns and ad-hoc restrictions being imposed in UP, Maharashtra, AP and Karnataka are making a distressing impact on retail businesses, says RAI...
Ad-Hoc Local Lockdowns Detrimental to Recovery of Indian Economy

The long road to recovery for the Indian retail industry continues to meet stumbling blocks with numerous restrictions being imposed at the state and local levels. Total lockdowns in some places and limited operational hours and days in several others are creating setbacks for retailers as the already stressed retail businesses are getting further interrupted and in turn dampening consumer sentiment.

Retailers Association of India (RAI) said in a statement mentioned, “Although the intentions are that of citizen safety and social distancing, the recent instances of local lockdowns and ad-hoc restrictions being imposed in UP, Maharashtra, AP and Karnataka are making a distressing impact on retail businesses. Retailers are already facing huge setbacks in terms of payment of wages and rentals due to very low sales of about 40 percent as compared to last year, which is due to the extended lockdown.

  • The restrictions imposed by States Governments are further compounding the situation and posing significant operational issues.

  • The restricted hours of operations, stoppage of staff and goods vehicle has resulted in hindered supply chains and skewed buying patterns.

  • Shops being allowed to open for a shorter number of hours leads to crowding because demand is inelastic. This is detrimental to social distancing. It is also creating havoc on the supply side affecting availability of goods.

  • The ad-hoc restrictions that keep changing create confusion about what is allowed and what is not. This is resulting in law enforcement stopping goods vehicles and employees from reaching stores creating supply chain and staffing issues.

This story is from the September 2020 edition of Images Retail.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2020 edition of Images Retail.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM IMAGES RETAILView All
Here's How India Shops Online
Images Retail

Here's How India Shops Online

Over 60% of people prefer shopping via apps over websites with a clear preference for marketplace apps

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
Why Are More And More Retail Brands Advertising Online?
Images Retail

Why Are More And More Retail Brands Advertising Online?

Returns on investment ranging from 2%-10% from their digital ad spends is just one of the reasons why brands and retailers across categories are taking to online advertising

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
Mini Mall, Mega Experiences
Images Retail

Mini Mall, Mega Experiences

Lulu Group’s first mini mall brings the best of retail to the aspiring consumers of the tier 3 town of Palakkad in Kerala

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
How Daalchini is Spicing up Micro Retail in India
Images Retail

How Daalchini is Spicing up Micro Retail in India

Through its smart vending machines, the Noida-based company is offering 24/7 convenience to customers, reach to over 200 brands and new business opportunities to entrepreneurs

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2024
AI, Cloud and SaaS Play a Pivotal Role for Banjaaran Studio
Images Retail

AI, Cloud and SaaS Play a Pivotal Role for Banjaaran Studio

Banjaaran Studio’s founder Meera Dureja on the brand story, business model and adding a modern touch to traditional shoemaking

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
How Myntra, Amazon, Shoppers Stop, Peesafe & Indiamart are Using AI for CX
Images Retail

How Myntra, Amazon, Shoppers Stop, Peesafe & Indiamart are Using AI for CX

From improving product recommendations and personalised fit suggestions to delivery, here’s how retail biggies are using artificial intelligence to offer delightful customer experiences

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
Store Launches Surge 23% in Feb
Images Retail

Store Launches Surge 23% in Feb

While the number of store openings increased, fundraises in the month dropped significantly

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
The Government Realises the Importance of Domestic Market
Images Retail

The Government Realises the Importance of Domestic Market

Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor of CMAI on Indiasize, the government’s focus on domestic retail, industry’s asks and more

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
In 3 years, PepsiCo India Doubled its Previous 30-year Capacity
Images Retail

In 3 years, PepsiCo India Doubled its Previous 30-year Capacity

As the director of channel, customer and go-to-market (GTM) development for PepsiCo India, Anand Mohan Sharma has anger on the pulse of India’s consumption story—especially in the food and beverage segment.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
A Look at the Indian Athleisure Market Play
Images Retail

A Look at the Indian Athleisure Market Play

The dimensions, driving forces, and potential of the Indian athleisure market

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024