Talking shop: Delhi malls brace for business unusual

Watching a movie, leisurely hops from one brand showroom to another, grabbing a bite at a food court, even a fine-dining experience, all in the comfort of an air-conditioned space — the very factors that made malls the buzzing spots may be the reasons why they may now be deserted. A mall’s two biggest attractions — cinemas and restaurants — are closed, and no one knows when they will reopen. Their closure means a big dip in footfall at the retail outlets. And the central air-conditioning is now suspect, such closed spaces being considered ideal for the spread of the novel coronavirus.