A wave that wiped out their livelihood

More and extra retailers are displaying the board “for sale”, “to-let” boards in the course of the second wave of COVID 19 because the small-time merchants appear to be giving up hope on their enterprise.

Many seem to have wilted beneath the burden of paying the lease and statutory advantages like ESI and provident fund to their workers, moreover different overheads.

“There seemed to be a little space for sustenance until we were permitted to keep our shops open for a few hours in a day. The complete lockdown has broken our back,” mentioned Selvaraj, a dealer in {hardware} in Ariyamangalam in Tiruchi. “We have exhausted all means, including pledging of jewellery for remaining afloat so far. All doors are now shut for us,” mentioned Sahayam, a dealer in electrical and electronics items.

A variety of two-wheeler and four-wheeler showrooms within the metropolis have delayed fee of salaries, a supervisor of 1 such showroom mentioned requesting anonymity. Customers within the personal sector, who’ve availed the choice of financial institution mortgage for rent buy, have been discovering it robust to pay instalments due to wage cuts and joblessness, he mentioned.

“The going has indeed become tough for many. The rent in a number of new shopping complexes is being levied on square foot basis. For grocery outlets, pharmacies, and vegetable/fruit shops, the business has taken a severe beating for months together,” Tamilselvan, zonal president of Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangangalin Peramaippu mentioned. The chance for the financially-battered merchants to restart their livelihood even after the lockdown is lifted appears bleak, Mr. Tamilselvan mentioned.

The hardship is manageable for individuals who function from the procuring complexes owned by native our bodies and temples. “Private landlords have not been lenient enough during the crisis situation. They continue to charge the same rent,” mentioned A. Muthaiya, president of Karaikal Chamber of Commerce.