Festive-season shopping took a hit in several parts of the national capital, with markets witnessing widespread closures and thin footfall as protests and disruptions to movement kept customers away, leaving traders facing losses on a key shopping day, Times of India reported.
Markets in Connaught Place, Janpath, Sadar Bazaar and Daryaganj remained largely shut, while Chandni Chowk saw partial operations but far fewer customers than usual.
Connaught Place and Janpath wore an unusually deserted look, with stretches barricaded and shops remaining closed. The New Delhi Traders Association had announced a day earlier that markets and commercial establishments in the surrounding areas would remain shut due to security concerns linked to the protest. Connaught Place saw a complete shutdown, with shops not opening for business.
In Sadar Bazaar, one of the capital’s busiest wholesale markets, most shops also remained closed, leaving its usually crowded lanes unusually quiet. Only a few roadside vendors selling smaller items continued to operate. The scene was in sharp contrast to a typical Saturday, when traders and customers throng the narrow market lanes.
“Because of the protest, the market is closed,” said roadside vendor Rahul, explaining why business had come to a standstill.
Live Events
Chandni Chowk saw some activity, with traders estimating that around half the shops had opened. However, the absence of customers kept business subdued. Disruptions to movement and difficulties in reaching the market further affected footfall.
Rammohan Singh, who runs saree shops in Chandni Chowk, said traders had been asked to keep their establishments closed, but some had opened in the hope of making sales.“We were asked to close our shops, but we opened them. Around 50% of the shops are open. What is the point of opening if there are no customers in the market?” he said.
The disruption came at a particularly difficult time for traders, with Saturdays among the most important shopping days during the festive season. Retailers typically use the weekend to capitalise on higher consumer demand, while many stock up in anticipation of stronger sales.
With the weekend already underway, traders feared that continued disruption would add to their losses. The impact also extended to small vendors and workers dependent on daily earnings, as fewer customers and slower commercial activity hit incomes across several markets.