Unlocking diaries: Mumbaikars step out for some retail therapy

The one thing on most people’s minds during the lockdown was the vibrancy that Mumbai is so known for — buzzing streets and stores as well as streetside stalls, famous for bargains. And now, after a long gap of four months, some of that liveliness is back, with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) allowing all shops to open on all seven days a week as against on odd-even days as mandated earlier.These establishments have also recently got a two-hour extension, allowing them to stay open until 7pm. Malls and market places will also be allowed to operate from today, as per the norms set by the state government. While Mumbaikars are finally being able to indulge in retail therapy, it’s also a relief for the retail industry as they slowly get back on the path towards brisk business. Says Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO of Retailers Association of India (RAI), “It’s a good thing that shops are now opening seven days a week. We believe shopping does develop a sense of well-being, but more importantly, it’s a crucial part for the economy to be kept in motion.”
Beauty fixes and rain gear in demand
It’s early days yet, so the numbers are not as they used to be, but some Mumbaikars are out and about, gloves in hand and masks on. And for a lot of shoppers, high on their list is buying beauty-related items. Nidhi Anand, a resident of Colaba, says, “I felt stuck when shops were shut, as I could not get my hair colouring roller. I also picked up a few new nail polishes to brighten the weather and my mood.” Adds Ratna Agarwal, another resident who stays close by, “I wanted wax strips as I can’t go to my salon, which is at a distance away from my home. I also chose some eye make-up as that’s the most visible part of the face now, thanks to the mask.”
Some stores have takers for innovative rain gear. Informs Manish Nagda of a shop in Vile Parle (East), “We have these ‘magic’ umbrellas that transform into a spectrum of colours when the rain falls on them. Of course, the three-fold ones are most popular as they are easy to carry around. But, we don’t have as many footfalls as last year, as schools, colleges and offices are shut.”
Streetside bargains are back

Some of the areas such as Hill Road and Linking Road in Bandra and Colaba Causeway are seeing a few stalls ready to welcome customers back. They are also being cautious by following the safety norms. Says Imran Akbani of a ladies footwear stall at Colaba, “The going has been so tough for us over the last few months. When we first opened on odd-even days it was tough to get a boni (selling a product), but we have started selling two to three pairs a day since the last 10 days. It’s not much, but ghar pe baithne sey toh yeh achha hai. Let’s hope that things get better, today onwards.”
‘Citizens have to be responsible’

Kumar Rajagopalan adds, “The shops will get a much-needed boost and consumers will also feel confident. We are also looking forward to malls opening in the city. While the government is trying to bring back a sense of normalcy, citizens also have to behave responsibly.”