Kolkata: The reopening of educational institutions has given a new lease of life to Boipara at College Street and some iconic hangouts that are often visited by students.
On Tuesday – the day when schools and colleges opened again after the 20-month loophole – several vendors and book traders have increased by feet, all of which did not enter sales.
However, traders hope that returning customers to Boipara will increase book sales.
There is near 15 colleges and universities, nine schools and several coaching centers within a 1 km of the College Street.
Closing of educational institutions in March 20 because the pandemic has affected the business in Boipara.
“Since the afternoon there are still many students coming to Boipara, both to buy or ask about books.
Sales up nearly 15% on Tuesday, which may not be too high but shows that after all the institutes begin to function fully, our business will return to the pre-level Pandemic, “said Suranjan Ghosh, a book vendor at College Street.
Pandemic-induced locking and two cyclones in two years damaging the business and stock of book sellers at the College Street.
Even big traders are also affected.
Students of various colleges and universities began crowdfunding to help vendors.
“Some livelihoods of people are associated with trading books.
When students have attended online classes during a pandemic, the request for reference books has dipped, which in turn about our business.
We anticipate it from now on, book sales will improve.
We ask the customer to stay To buy a book from a small vendor because this will help them financially, “said Pratap Das, Secretary of Sir Ashutosh Book Seller Association.
The iconic coffee house also reported an increase in walking on Tuesday.
“After the pandemic starts, this place will remain half empty in the first half of the day because colleges and universities are closed.
Usually, students and teachers come here for coffee and sandwiches between classes.
On Tuesday, we see some entry groups.
Business will get better when the campuses are fully reopened, “said Tapan Kumar Pahari, Secretary of Indian Coffee Workers Co-operative Society Limited who managed the coffee house.