Offline retailers feel Omicron chill as Republic Day sale nears

Fewer trips to malls mean lower footfall and sales, resulting in higher piling of stock - and possibly higher discounts

Offline retailers are feeling the Omicron January chill as consumers are apprehensive about venturing out in the midst of rising Covid cases across the country. Covid restrictions, as well as concerns over the new virus variant, are seeing shoppers pull back from the high streets and shopping malls, clearly cautious about streaming into stores and choosing to self-censor instead. 

Offline retailers' hopes of a bumper End-Of-Season Sale (EOSS) and Republic Day (R-Day) Sale to compensate for losses over the pandemic have been dashed.

Fewer trips to malls mean lower footfall and sales, resulting in higher piling of stock - and