18 , May , 2020
New Delhi, PTI: As the third phase of the lockdown concluded, some leading retailers have observed an increase in number of footfalls along with a significant jump in average purchase value.
According to industry players such as Metro Cash & Carry, Lots Wholesale Solutions, Future Group and V-Mart Retail, as restrictions were eased more stores could open thereby increasing customer walk-ins, availability of popular FMCG products and high-value items.
The products which saw an increased demand in the third phase of lockdown include dry fruits, frozen non-vegetarian products, personal care products - grooming, cold beverages and premium products. Supply of these products was disrupted in the previous two phases of the lockdown imposed from March 25 to control the spread of coronavirus pandemic.
Arvind Mediratta, MD & CEO, Metro Cash & Carry India, stated, “The footfalls have gone up by a third over the previous lockdown as restrictions are getting eased especially in Karnataka, Delhi and Telangana".
“There are several factors which impact store walk- ins, operational timings of the store along-with other factors in that particular city that play a role in store footfalls”, he added.
Sharing his views on similar lines, Tanit Chearavanont, MD, Lots Wholesale Solutions, said “As restrictions on movement are being eased, the number of footfalls is increasing in stores along with average purchase value. With every passing day and government providing some ease in movement, we have witnessed increased footfall at our stores largely from local kiranas and retailers during the lockdown and overall the average purchase value per customer has gone up".
Kamaldeep Singh, Future Group President informed that though the situation is still not close to normal but average purchase by a customer has gone up.
"Number of footfalls and shopping trips are still down but the average value of the bill is higher due to lesser number of visits by a customer," he said adding "customers are largely picking staples, food items and personal hygiene products".
However, Singh also added that customers have still not started picking personal care products like deodorant, skin care, vanity and beauty products.
In the coming days retailers are hoping for a further easing of restriction as they continue to face some supply constraints as most of FMCG companies are not operating in full swing.
