19 November,2009 07:54 AM IST | | Urvashi Seth
Shop owners say some customers even insist on home delivery, as they don't want to set foot in hotels, which were under seige
They are the forgotten victims of 26/11. Shop owners at the Taj and Oberoi hotels say they've only made losses the last year because of the attacks.
"Fear psychosis among walk-in guests has gobbled up our business," said Muralilal Chaturvedi, manager of The Indian Textiles Co Pvt Ltd store, which opened at the Taj in 1938.
He feels that copious checking and shutting down of various exits and entry points has added to their woes.
50% loss
Another owner said several shops have faced a 50 per cent loss in business. "We have struggled so hard to break even, but it's not happened.
There have been no profits this year," said Ahmed Mukati, proprietor of Yellow Rose Store at Oberoi Hotel.
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"A number of cruise ships are likely to be docked in Mumbai next month. They may give us some business," he added.
A store manager from Taj, who deals with luxury men's clothing, added, "Many of our regular clients are reluctant to come to the hotel, fearing that the place is not safe.
At times we have been asked to deliver goods at home."
Ravin Gandhi, director of the jewellery shop Gazdar Pvt Ltd at Taj, too is disappointed.
"Hopefully, 2010 will bring better business," said Gandhi, who feels their fate depends on the government's initiative to eliminate terror.
Did you know?
Rental charges for shops at 5-star hotels are Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh a month, depending on the area
