New Delhi | Kolkata: Sales of automobiles, consumer durables, smartphones and apparel – which have been recovering since the easing of the nationwide lockdown last year – will be adversely impacted with the Maharashtra government announcing a partial lockdown to check the spread of Covid-19 cases, causing disruption in sales around Gudi Padwa, a spring-time festival that marks the traditional new year for Maharashtrians.Retailers Association of India (RAI) estimates retailers will lose about $5 billion in potential business in Maharashtra in April as a result of the lockdowns. It said Maharashtra accounts for 10% or $85 billion of India’s annual $850 billion retail market.Softening of demand seen“Initial guidelines made public indicate automobile dealerships, which come under the purview of the Shops & Establishments Act, would have to remain shut. If that is the case, there will be a significant impact. Many customers have made bookings with big festivals like Navratri, Gudi Padwa around the corner; deliveries will go for a toss,” said Vinkesh Gulati, President at Federation of Automobile Dealers’ Association (FADA). With 2,700 sales outlets, Maharashtra accounts for 10% of all automobiles sold in the country.“There will be softening of demand (due to the restrictions imposed in Maharashtra),” said…
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Maharashtra lockdown may wipe out 9-month recovery of offline smartphone retail
