HYDERABAD: Dress makers from the Old City, known far and wide for dazzling handcrafted attires that were heavily patronised during weddings and festivities are now struggling for survival.
Like many other sectors, coronavirus has impacted these skilful artisans and businesses with many shopkeepers saying that they are finding it difficult to pay rent and salaries to their employees. The craftsmen, who lace up dresses with mirrors, stone, zari or pearls rue that there is not much work for them and they are finding it difficult to make ends meet.
Sohil Hussain of Madina Collection at Bibi Bazar, Talab Katta, in the Old City, said “the sales have fallen drastically. Even festivals and the weddings could not get us to the break-even point. Customers are not even showing interest despite the 40 percent discount that we are offering.”
Shaik Arshad, an employee in the shop,…