Thousands of people were seen waiting in lines at the Lulu Mall outlets in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi after the mall announced midnight sales with a special 50 per cent discount. While initially it was pleasant, the outlets witnessed chaos as the people thronged in large numbers. The mall was open for the public from 11:59 pm on July 6 till the dawn of July 7.
Videos posted online by shoppers show a massive rush near the mall’s escalators and lobby, with the security staff attempting to control the crowd, making every effort to ensure that the visitors maintain line.
The videos shared on social media captured people almost crawling into the stores to grab their favourite items even before the shutters were properly opened. In the videos, balconies and escalators could be seen filled to the brim by the shoppers who have their hands filled with shopping bags and carts. Many had their phones out to capture the enthusiasm and the chaos that unfolded at the sale premises.
Here are some clips:
However, a section of the netizens trolled LuLu Group for its disregard where it came to safety protocols when #COVID19 still at large in Kerala.
Reacting to the videos, a user termed it a miracle as the situation did not lead to a stampede. Another pointed out that there were no good offers in the sale and it was just a marketing strategy.
One of the users termed the situation “scary” and wrote that the management should take action to prevent a stampede like situation. The fourth user termed it as COVID sale.
