NE BUSINESS BUREAU
NEW DELHI, APRIL 25
Walmart-owned Flipkart on Saturday said gradual opening up delivery of non-essential goods through e-commerce will help meet consumer demands while easing the burden of piled up inventory of micro, small and medium enterprises amid the nationwide lockdown. However, the Retailers Association of India (RAI) said the government’s order to allow reopening of shops is open to interpretation as terms like “market complexes” are not easily understood.
The comments came after the government allowed neighbourhood and standalone shops, including those located in residential complexes in urban areas, to open (at 50 percent strength and after taking necessary precautions) during the ongoing lockdown till May 3.
In rural areas, all shops, except those in shopping malls, are allowed to open.
However, the opening of shops located in COVID-19 hotspot and containment zones, sale of non-essential items by e-commerce platforms, and sale of liquor continue to be prohibited under the late-night order on Friday.
A Flipkart Group spokesperson welcomed the government’s decision of providing gradual relaxations in retail.
“Consumers have shown great restraint during the lockdown, and there is a need to support their requirements. Further, a gradual opening up of delivery of non-essential goods through e-commerce will help meet consumer needs, which include items that will enable them to work from home, stay in touch with others and also address the rising temperature across the country,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that e-commerce can help meet these requirements safely and securely while ensuring social distancing and allowing the government in continuing its efforts to contain this situation.
“E-commerce can also support in easing the burden of piled up inventory of MSMEs and help in the delivery of these products to consumers safely and securely while following the robust safety SOPs (standard operating procedures),” the spokesperson said, adding that the company remains committed towards the fight against COVID-19.
Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, the Retailers Association of India (RAI) said the government’s order to allow reopening of shops is open to interpretation as terms like “market complexes” are not easily understood.
Kumar Rajagopalan added that “Keeping in mind the current environment and lessons learnt by opening up of essential retail through the lockout, we would recommend that the Government open up all channels of retail on a date that it feels safe with the social-distancing norms clearly defined. Local authorities can ensure strict implementation and action. Malls in the country should also be allowed to open as they are professionally run and would be able to control the environment for safety and social distancing.”
