RAI compared sales figures to those of May'19, as India was still under restrictions in May'20. Retail sales were down significantly across all regions as the second wave forced states to place temporary restrictions on non-essential retail. Retail sales in southern India were down 73% in May 2021 as compared to May 2019, the eastern region reported a 75% dip in sales; while retailers in west and north India reported an 83% decline in sales in May 2021 as compared to May 2019. Retailers are looking forward to some improvement in June with gradual unlocking, said Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India. However, the retail industry needs the collective support of various government bodies to tide over the present situation, he added.

Source: Mint June 15, 2021 08:15 UTC