Shopping Starts in Delhi for Necessary Goods As 6-Day Lockdown Begins

Retailers in the national capital said on Monday they witnessed anxiety shopping at their stores after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a six-day shutdown.

People got staples, processed foods, ready-to-eat, and immunity-boosting products in recent days, according to retailers.

However, customers have not panicked unlike the last shutdown and as they are sure of their supply and retailers can deliver the products to their doorstep after receiving orders online, through apps, and even after a phone call, in which some promise the same. delivery a day.

Retailers, who have learned their lessons in the last national shutdown a year ago, are better-equipped thanks to their learnings and have sufficient inventory.

“With the announcement of a nearly week-long curfew in Delhi, we are witnessing anxiety shopping at our stores in Delhi today. We have witnessed an increase in demand for staples, processed foods, ready-to-eat, and local produce. they increase immunity in the past – a couple of days and we expect this trend to continue, “METRO Cash and Carry India CEO and CEO Arvind Mediratta told PTI.

To assist the buyer, METRO Cash and Carry has increased the visibility of COVID-related items and ensured adequate stock availability on critical items.

“We prioritize the health and safety of our customers, employees, and customers, and we follow strict 30-step safety measures in all of our stores that include social distancing and other necessary hygiene precautions,” he said.

While Biz Bazaar said there were no panic purchases this time around as people are assured of stocking up this time through online ordering.

“This time people are not panicking like they were in the previous closing, which was a year earlier. Before, people were afraid that they would not be able to get the products, but now customers have realized that they can do it through delivery to address, “said a Biz Bazaar spokesperson.

He also ensured that adequate stocks would be available in stores and delivered to customers’ doorstep after receiving orders online or calling stores.

V-Mart Retail CMD Lalit Agarwal said that while the recent increase in Covid-19 cases and restrictions would affect the business, it would ensure product availability.

“There is no panic buying in stores this time as people are sure that they will not face any difficulties. This time we have anticipated the closure and the availability of goods will be greater than last time,” he said.

Announcing the closure in the city earlier in the day, Mr. Kejriwal said that it was necessary to prevent Delhi’s health system from collapsing under the growing number of patients, as there is an acute shortage of medicines, beds, ICU, and oxygen.