Kochi: With the easing of lockdown, jewelleries were allowed to function in the state. As the shops opened after two months, heavy rush was experienced everywhere.
Since the gold price is at its peak and due to the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, more people were expected to come to sell the gold. However, it was not the case. More and more people thronged jewelleries to buy gold ornaments.
The expectation that gold price may go up again has drawn people to jewelleries amid the lockdown, opined Kalyan Jewellers Managing Director TS Kalyanaraman. He also added that wedding purchase is also high these days.
Malabar Gold and Diamonds Chairman MP Ahammad opined that people have become more cautious during the pandemic. Instead of coming with family, one or two are arriving to purchase the gold. Some have also booked in advance and then arrived according to the time slot.
All jewelleries are functioning ensuring the safety measures. Most of the shops allow customers inside after thermal scanning. Sanitizers are provided. All ornaments and furniture are disinfected in intervals. Everyone wears masks and practices social distance.
Most of the customers are interested in digital money transactions. The information on opening the shops were conveyed to customers via SMS and social media, shop owners said.
Jewelleries except those in containment zones have been opened. In Kasaragod municipality, shops will start functioning from Thursday.
Sellers hope that the rush will increase in the coming days as the postponed weddings will gradually begin to take place once the lockdown is lifted.
