Malls, multiplexes bear the brunt of coronavirus outbreak ahead of Holi

Holi will be celebrated on Tuesday across India. The four-day weekend starting Saturday would have come as a boon for retailers, malls and multiplex operators

With COVID-19 cases being reported in cities such as Mumbai, Thane, Agra, Noida and Delhi, retailers, multiplex operators, mall developers and eatery owners are bearing the brunt of the cronavirus outbreak ahead of Holi. 

“There is a clear business impact. People are avoiding crowded places and gatherings across cities. This is hitting business, both at traditional and modern trade outlets, during the Holi season, which kicked off from Saturday,” said Praveen Khandelwal, general secretary, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).

On Friday, CAIT announced that it was calling off Holi-based events to be organised by its regional and local chapters across cities