Kolkata Retail Struggles Amid Protests, Braces for Durga Puja Season
In a scene unusual for Kolkata’s iconic New Market, customer footfall has dwindled, impacting retail and food businesses as the city braces for Durga Puja, West Bengal’s major festival. The red-brick, Gothic-style market, dating back to 1874, now sees sparse visitors despite its array of budget-friendly offerings from garments to gourmet food.
The market’s woes are compounded by ongoing protests triggered by the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor, leading to significant disruptions. Retailers, especially in New Market and Gariahat, report plummeting sales. The owner of a children’s garment shop laments daily sales are down to Rs 5,000 from a hoped-for Rs 50,000.
The widespread protests have stifled business across the city. Major shopping destinations like South City Mall and Quest report a 20-25% decline in sales. The F&B industry bears a 30% slump, with dine-in numbers particularly affected. Park Street’s gastronomic hub also notices fewer evening visitors, though lunch turnout remains steady.
Corporate sponsors of Durga Puja are cautiously evaluating the situation, delaying decisions on sponsorships crucial for the festival’s grand scale. Despite the protests, some optimism remains. Big-budget pujas, largely funded by corporate sponsorships, continue to receive inquiries. Organizers believe plans for this year will proceed, though the broader impact might surface next year if market conditions fail to improve.
West Bengal, hosting 43,000 Durga Pujas, relies heavily on the festival’s economic boost. The UNESCO intangible cultural heritage tag in 2021 provided a significant uplift. Last year, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee highlighted the festival’s economic boon, generating over Rs 80,000 crore and offering 300,000 job opportunities.
As the city navigates current challenges, there’s hope for a rebound closer to the festival, driven by the cultural and economic significance of Durga Puja.
Original Story https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/protests-take-a-bite-out-of-retail-f-b-businesses-ahead-of-durga-puja-124090700004_1.html
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