: Citys booming Stationery business now Stationary #IndiaNEWS #Coronavirus Update By G. Amit Kumar Pandemic has affected every business in the last two years and heavily impacted small

Citys booming Stationery business now Stationary #IndiaNEWS #Coronavirus Update
By G. Amit Kumar

[Pics by M. N. Lakshminarayana Yadav]

Pandemic has affected every business in the last two years and heavily impacted small businesses leading to financial fragility and even closures. One of the most affected sectors is the stationery business that was booming earlier.

COVID is not the only thing affecting their businesses. Online classes, digital learning and online shopping sites have crushed their prospects with trade coming to a standstill. Century-old stationery shops in Mysuru are facing 70 percent drop in business and there has been no growth ever since the pandemic has hit.

Retail and wholesale stationery shops are not happy with the ongoing digital learning process. They are also angry about the rules of certain private schools as they have made it mandatory for students to purchase books and study materials from the school itself.

This has even more affected the stationery business as students visiting shops is completely restricted. Although many stationery shops offer door delivery of books and stationery items, students, techies and bank employees prefer online trade.

One of the major reasons for the downfall of stationery business is the increasing demand for online purchase. Students are showing more interest in buying stationery items online. Students avoid visiting shops due to fear of catching the virus. Also, many retailers blame the State Government for increasing property tax and trade licence fees. They expressed displeasure over the Government for failing to consider stationeries under the category of essential services.

‘Online torture’ for children

When Star of Mysore contacted a few owners of stationery shops many expressed that online classes are not only ruining their business but also they are mentally traumatising children.

A. R. Venkatesh, Proprietor of Sri Ramachandra Book Depot, Devaraja Market, said, “Our shop is 85 years old and I have never seen a worse situation like this before. It’s been almost 2 years since COVID affected all businesses. Moreover, conducting online classes has not only affected our business, but it’s also affecting our children mentally. ???

“Eight to ten hours of classes, hectic project work and lack of individual attention on students. I would call this ‘online mental torture’ for students. Also children spend time on mobile phones and laptops the whole day creating health issues. Writing notes by looking at a mobile phone is difficult and it’s an extra burden for students. My children are using eye drops every night???, he added.