Second COVID-19 wave hits apparel retailers badly: RAI

The COVID-19 wave and subsequent restrictions imposed by several states have led to significant decline in apparel sales in India, shows a survey by Retailers’ Association of India (RAI). Conducted among 63 participants pan-India, the survey highlights the pain lockdowns have brought for retailers across India.

The sharpest decline was seen among retailers of sports goods, which reported a 66 pre drop in business in April 2021 compared with April 2019, followed by footwear and beauty and wellness retailers. Consumer durables and electronics businesses declined 31 per cent in April 2021.

Retailers in west India reported 72 per cent drop in business during the month while those in east India reported the least impact on business. North India businesses declined by 45 per cent while those in South India dropped by 40 per cent compared with April 2019.