Chandigarh mall’s store owners bear brunt of coronavirus lockdown

Due to coronavirus lockdown in the country, lives have come to a standstill. Malls, theatres and pubs are shut since over a month. Retailers and shop owners continue to bear the brunt. They are not just facing loss but struggling to pay salaries. “There is 100% loss in the business due to the lockdown, can’t pay the rent to workers,” said a store owner. While standalone shops have been given permission to open, no relief has been given to shops in shopping complexes. Uncertainty looms over decision on opening malls due to extant COVID-19 situation.