India mall tills silent despite festive season

[MUMBAI] The Centre One shopping mall on the outskirts of Mumbai is gloomy and bereft of customers, even during India's annual festive and wedding season when retailers traditionally cash in.

"Business is dull, usually weak," said one bored-looking fashion salesman.

The shopping centre's empty look is no exception. In the past decade, supermarkets and malls have spread across India's large cities and towns, fuelled by fast economic growth and excitement about middle-class buying power.