After two years of the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, this year people are going all out to celebrate Diwali. But many people have been shopping only online and small shopkeepers claim this is affecting them. They say the entire chain of small shopkeepers, suppliers and manufacturers are facing this issue as they are dependent on each other, and losing their business due to online shopping. They want people to come to their stores and shop to help them.

To support shopkeepers, retailers and small businesses, traders’ organisations will promote ‘Vocal for Local’ for Diwali shopping. Their associations have also pasted stickers outside local shops appealing to people to shop only at these shops near their residence. They are also using WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram to promote this digitally to support local shopkeepers.