1 in 5 shops may close: Traders

  A fifth of India’s shops could down shutters forever in the aftermath of the pandemic, Economic Times reports, quoting trader associations. More than 60% of stores in premium locations such as Mumbai’s Colaba and Delhi’s Khan Market are operated by tenants, many of whom can’t afford to pay rents anymore. Stores in congested areas have been forced to remain shut even though restrictions have eased. India’s retail sector is estimated to have lost ₹5.5 lakh crore during the lockdown, forcing some owners and tenants to find common ground.