Lajpat Nagar's market shopkeepers find difficult to find feet after lockdown

New Delhi: Since the pandemic hit the city, many activities have been affected. Shutters of the shops were closed for a long time. After the first wave of coronavirus, businesses started operating normally but it was again halted with the second wave in the city. Now, the process of unlock has begun.

Many markets started opening again the national capital. However, the lives of local vendors and low wages people have never been the same. CitySpidey talked to local vendors of Lajpat Nagar’s Central market. Most of the shopkeepers said that after lockdown, their sales have dropped significantly and it is difficult to manage rent of the shops also the house expenses.

On the other hand, shop helpers said that they are facing salary cuts as the sales of shops have gone down. They said that they are finding it difficult to manage their houses.

Shankar, owner of a mobile accessories shop said, “The condition of the market is not good after the second lockdown. There is only ten percent work in the market. Many times I didn't earn a single penny in a day. Shops are empty and after the second lockdown, there is no hope when the work will come on track.”

Kartik, owner of a garment shop said, “Before the second wave of coronavirus, the work was pretty good. We had enough earnings to pay the rent and for our daily needs too. Before 2020, the market used to be full of crowd but now the footfall is very less in the market. Due to this, our sales dropped significantly.”

Omprakash, owner of a mobile repairing and accessories shop said, “The sales have dropped significantly. Only 3-4 customers come in a day. Before lockdown, it was 30-40 in a day, due to this, we are not able to pay the rent of the shop. Most of the days, I do not have any earning.”

Vinay Kumar, who works at a garment shop said, “Many helpers of the shop are facing salary cuts as we are not able to pay the rent of the shops. The shop is in losses. The condition is worst than the first lockdown. The sales for a day have decreased by 90 per cent. Before 2020, customers used to be visit the market frequently. We all are hoping that good time will come soon.”