The Colaba Causeway shopping strip near Regal Cinema is devoid of the frenzied crowds that frequented the area. Among the earlier crowds was a sizeable chunk of foreigners, alternating between the hawkers on the footpaths, to the shops half-hidden behind their wares.

Right now, as the government greenlights retail, hawkers stay off the pavements, which means for many, it is the first time in years that their storefronts will be clearly seen.