Kolkata: Heat takes a toll on business hub sales – Times of India

Kolkata News

KOLKATA: The prevailing heat-wave like condition in the city has adversely affected trade and commerce as well with wholesale and retail markets in Kolkata wearing a deserted look throughout the day. From Bagree Market to Burrabazar, business has halved over the last 10 days when the mercury soared and started hovering on the higher side of 37°C.
Some shopping hubs like New Market, Treasure Island, Simpark Plaza, Quest Mall and Metro Plaza are witnessing high footfalls in the evening because of Eid scheduled to be celebrated next week. In other markets, traders are even shutting their establishments early due to lack of customers.
“Business had really picked up after the third wave. But since the first week of April, when the temperature started increasing, there has been a steady decline in sales. For the last 10 days, since heat-wave like conditions have started prevailing in the city, footfalls have decreased by almost 50%. Worse, there doesn’t seem to be any respite in sight,” said Girish Vassandanni, a shop owner in Bagree Market.
“We are getting only those customers who are in urgent need of anything. Walk-ins have almost stopped. Even the labourers and van rickshaw pullers are not willing to ferry goods between 10am and 4am,” said Anil Singh, who has an apparel shop on Kalakar Street.
The scene is a bit different in New Market and other neighbouring markets, particularly after sunset. Those shopping for Eid have been queuing up outside the shops to finish festive shopping. “During the day, there are very few customers. But there is rush in the evening,’ said Abbas Ali Iqbal, a trader on Bertram Street.
Market committees have also issued advisories for their members. “We have distributed ORS among traders. People should not venture out in the sun unless absolutely necessary,” said Asutosh Singh, president of the shop owners’ association at Bagree Market.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/heat-takes-a-toll-on-biz-hub-sales/articleshow/91192809.cms