Metro does not mean BIG BUSINESS

EATERIES ON MGS AND BRIGADES NOTE A RISE IN SALES BUT RETAILERS HAVE TO MAKE DO WITH WINDOW SHOPPERS

Its almost a month since Namma Metro became a part of Bangalore,creating excitement among people and expectation among traders along its route.Citizens hopped on and flocked to MG Road and Brigade Road,which are abuzz with footfalls.But that does not seem to have translated into any substantial increase in business for retailers,barring food and beverage outlets.

Burgers and cappuccinos are selling fast,and there is a visible rise in customer traffic as people flock to chill out after the Metro ride.Interestingly,comics are also flying off bookstore shelves.

We are doing good business with a 15% growth in sales after the launch of the Metro.A large percentage of this growth is spurred by families coming to check out the new attraction, says Sampath,manager at Caf Coffee Day.

Karuna,shift manager at KFC,says the Metro has come as a boon for their till,with a substantial increase in customers during tea time.Store officials at Higginbothams,located just opposite the MG Road Station,say there has been an increase in the sale of comic books.

But not all can hear their cash registers ringing.Those who travel on the Metro are just going for a joyride.There has been no difference to our business because only the flow of people has increased,not genuine buyers.Well know the difference only when all phases of the Metro are completed, says Jithendra Turakhia,who owns an apparel store and is vicepresident of Bangalore Trade Association.

Levis store manager Syed Asim adds: We had expected a boom in business,but the Metro hasnt made any difference.Only the number of window shoppers has increased. Store officials at Puma have also spotted this trend,especially during weekends.

But with the crowds have come some woes.According to Zafar A Shawl,who owns an antique crafts store,Commuters are littering the place. Theres also been a rise in incidents of shoplifting.We are more watchful now. 

ME TOO: Despite the long queues for rides on the Metro,there is little business happening in the Central Business District that waited impatiently for the project