Hyderabad: Covid shadow on X'mas shopping

Hyderabad: Ahead of Christmas celebrations, people started going out for shopping after staying indoors for a long time due to coronavirus-led pandemic.

Expressing his happiness over the festival, Aiza Krishna, a customer in a shop said "After staying in houses for six to seven months, it is really exciting to see people shopping for the festive season. It is nice to see all these colourful wall hangings and other decorates."

On the other hand, Shweta, another customer said she is not getting any festival vibes this year due to the fear of coronavirus. " People are literally tensed to go outside amid the coronavirus pandemic. I am not sure if everyone is taking precautions. This year celebrations wouldn't definitely be as glorious as the last year celebrations. she added.

A decorative shop owner said, "It's been 10 months, there is 60 per cent drawback in business. Earlier, we used to get order from hotels, malls and event organisers. But due to the COVID, everything has changed. We've lost orders from international customers. Right now, only customers who are celebrating Christmas with families are coming to the shop."