20 November 2024, Mumbai
Rising pollution levels in North India have impacted footfalls in malls across Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, and tier 2 cities like Lucknow, Jaipur, and Chandigarh. Despite the drop, many shoppers are choosing malls over high streets due to their enhanced air quality measures.
Harsh Vardhan Bansal, co-founder of Unity Group, noted a decline in footfall as people choose to stay indoors due to poor air quality. However, he highlighted that serious shoppers are gravitating toward malls, attracted by their safer indoor air environment.
Malls in the NCR region are deploying advanced HVAC systems with HEPA filters to ensure indoor AQI remains between 30-40, even as outdoor AQI averages around 300. Select City Walk in Delhi uses centralized filtration systems and real-time monitoring to enhance customer trust, according to JayenNaik, COO, Nexus Select Trust.
Efforts to engage visitors include promoting sustainability practices like carpooling and public transport, said Naresh Tyagi of Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail.
With pollution driving many residents to the hills or indoors, industry leaders are bracing for continued disruptions during this crucial festive quarter.
