Delhi mkt remains bleak on sluggish footfalls
Asia’s largest electronics hub in New Delhi yet to see crowd
image for illustrative purpose
Delhi markets get a breather amid ongoing second wave with general public paying a visit to the Asia's largest electronic market here in Nehru Place here. Bizz Buzz spoke with the street vendors and electronic showrooms to catch a glimpse of the returning hustle and bustle at the shopping complex. Ajay Singh, a street vendor at the electronic hub, had returned from his native Meerut post first wave of Covid in 2020. He said that although the second wave and subsequent lockdowns were unprecedented, the situation is far less grim in terms of financial stability.
"We did not expect the second wave to hit us again. But this time, we decided not to go back home when the pandemic hit the business again. The market is picking up again and this time at a much faster rate in comparison to last year. I think people are tired of being at home," Singh said.
According to Manoj Bansal, another street vendor, smaller gadgets and phone accessories remain at the top of the demand and a daily earning can vary between Rs 2000 to Rs 3000 on a good sales day such as the weekends. Bansal also said that most market visitors are apprehensive of making big purchases and local items such as camera accessories and selfie sticks have gained immense popularity especially during Covid-19 period.
Although limited crowd throngs Nehru Place market space, street hawkers score bigger, in terms of business, in comparison to the electronic stores. Mobile, laptop, gaming and photography accessories continue to see steady rise in buyers with some customers returning to the vicinity simply to enjoy a day out.
Monica Sinha, a third year Delhi University student, said that since most college students cannot attend classes, visiting the electronic market is one way to experience sense of normalcy in the times of Covid.
"It is easier to visit these markets and buy fewer items at a reasonable price. There are electronic equipments which cannot be verified online. So, Nehru Place is a safer bet. But it is not just because of Covid that people are not visiting. It is also because of the sultry, hot weather," Sinha said.
The market place is a popular destination for gadget enthusiasts and has been the hub of Delhi's commercial, financial, and business activities.
