Business is down, say shopkeepers despite approaching festivities

SHILLONG: Bans on coal and limestone mining coupled with inflation have dampened the festive shopping of Shillongites. This has been claimed by several businessmen in the city dealing in garments, shoes and other items.
While speaking to The Shillong Times, several shopkeepers said that business was dull this time round.
“Coal business is down, even the export of limestone and boulders to Bangladesh is banned leading to the fall in business,” a shopkeeper said.
He added, “During this time of the year earnings cross Rs 20,000 per month, but the same is not the case now.”
It was only recently that the High Court lifted the ban on export of limestone, but the process is yet to start as the matter is pending with the State Government.
A businessman of a high end fashion store said, “On Sundays (earlier) we did not have the time to have lunch, but nowadays, the store looks empty. There is less flow of money in the State’s market. We do understand the plight of the customers who are dealing with the rising prices of essential commodities, children’s education etc.”
The owner of a shop dealing in woolen clothes also said that during winter his business usually received a boost.
“But the season has not brought any such changes to my trade this time round,” he said.
“We are helpless as there is no strategy to lift the business,” he added.