Stores hope for better crowds in coming days as reopening day also saw heavy rain that might have deterred people from going out
Goregaon's Oberoi Mall saw a good response on Wednesday and the flow of customers increased in the afternoon onwards as the rain decreased. While some wanted to visit their regular hangout spot, others wanted to take advantage of the sales. The crowd, however, did not match those of the pre-COVID-19 days.
Pradnya Sarmalkar
With the safe category on the Aarogya Setu app compulsory, some people were not allowed to enter. Sufiyaan Qureshi was not allowed inside as his app had the orange colour.
Monika and Chinmay
"The mall and shops were thoroughly sanitised yesterday. Exchange policy has been stopped for a while," said Mohd. Barkat Shaikh, manager at Go Colors. "Store staff is ensuring that the shopping experience is safe. We cannot comment yet on people's apprehension. Because of heavy rain, many people have not ventured outside anyway," said Pradnya Sarmalkar, manager at the Jashn outlet.
Barkat Shaikh
Sales representatives were excited to be back to work. "It has been such a long gap. We are glad that work has started and are enjoying helping customers," said a saleswoman at the Central outlet. Many big brands were closed too.
For Chinmay Kulkarni and Monika Dabde, a couple living nearby, Oberoi is their favourite hangout spot. "While all hangout spots are closed, we thought of dropping in at Oberoi and ended up shopping," said Monika. Chinmay added, "The mall management has taken good care in providing a safe environment, including insisting on having the Arogya Setu app."
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