Pune: Malls witness increased footfall as people seek relief from hot weather

Pune: Besides summer sales, offers, activities, and giveaways, malls across the city have seen an increase in foot traffic thanks to their most essential amenity—air conditioning. Various mall managements report that foot traffic has increased by more than 100% from April and May of last year, even during the weekdays.

Mall managers in Pune are saying that approximately 50% of visitors come to window shop or hang out. We are also seeing increased foot traffic during the day, beginning around lunchtime. We see parents with their children after school, college students, and even senior couples at the mall during the day. Evenings, during post office hours, there is a rush that lasts until 10 p.m. This increase in footfalls hasn’t increased conversion rates, but welcoming foot traffic is beneficial to business.

Youngsters get to spend quality time in AC without spending too much money. They feel that by just paying for the parking space, they get a comfortable place to hang out with friends, enjoy good music and sometimes grab a bite at the food court. Not just youngsters, even couples and the elderly are making a beeline for the malls. Consider this, parks and other public places that used to be the first choice for socializing, are now not so attractive because of hot weather. People from all walks of the society have found malls to be the latest socializing hub without having to worry about the heat and humidity. The best part is unlike free standing restaurants or shops, once does not have to spend money in the malls or purchase anything to be there.

Medical professionals have advised people not to go outside during peak hours to avoid sunstroke and other heat-related issues, but many citizens who do not have air conditioning at home or are affected by power outages have turned to malls for relief. While increased crowds at these venues have made it difficult to keep temperatures comfortable for everyone, all commercial establishments across the country, including malls and movie theaters, must follow the Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s (BEE) mandate to keep air conditioners at 24 degrees Celsius, which was issued in 2018.