Widespread Closures in Belgrade as Shops and Consumers Respond to Strike Call
Businesses across the Serbian capital largely shut down in response to a strike call, leaving streets unusually quiet.
Belgrade, one of southeastern Europe's most bustling capitals, appeared subdued today as a significant number of businesses shuttered their operations in response to a call for a general strike.
Prominent shopping areas, including the city center and various suburban districts, witnessed low foot traffic and mostly empty establishments.
Reports from various locations indicate that public transportation was sparse, further compounding the eerily quiet atmosphere.
Many residents were observed waiting for buses that did not arrive, prompting some to walk across the city.
The scene was consistent from Vidikovac to Banovo Brdo, where stores operating had minimal patronage, and employees were seen taking breaks outside.
Numerous businesses, from fast-food outlets and hair salons to bookstores and cinemas, remained closed for the day.
Notices on some storefronts explained disruptions due to "technical issues" or "annual leave," while others did not specify reasons.
Participating in the strike, employees from a well-known fast-food chain and a downtown cosmetic store reported a noticeable drop in customer numbers.
Postal workers also noted reduced activity at service counters.
The strike call coincided with student-led protests, motivating some citizens to refrain from shopping.
Businesspeople in large commercial chains declined to comment on sales figures, referring inquiries to management.
Similarly, the film industry paused its operations, with cinema 'Roda Cineplex' in Banovo Brdo among those that closed.
Creative notifications in various shops, such as a pizzeria advising customers to "reserve Friday for pizza at home," suggest support for the protests among some business owners.
Across town, while Boulevard Kralja Aleksandra had more storefronts open, they reported few customers.
Employees either stood outside or recorded footage as students marched from Vukov Spomenik to Ušće.
The contrast was evident in central areas like Knez Mihailova and Republic Square, where visitor traffic comprised mainly of tourists seemingly unaware of the strike's significance.
In artistic quarters such as Čumićevo Sokače, many shops were locked, showcasing solidarity with student demonstrators.
Bookstores, including well-known chains like Vulkan and Laguna, stayed closed in large support of the protest, with nearly all stores in the city participating in the shutdown.
For ongoing updates on the general strike, visit the Danas blog.
Prominent shopping areas, including the city center and various suburban districts, witnessed low foot traffic and mostly empty establishments.
Reports from various locations indicate that public transportation was sparse, further compounding the eerily quiet atmosphere.
Many residents were observed waiting for buses that did not arrive, prompting some to walk across the city.
The scene was consistent from Vidikovac to Banovo Brdo, where stores operating had minimal patronage, and employees were seen taking breaks outside.
Numerous businesses, from fast-food outlets and hair salons to bookstores and cinemas, remained closed for the day.
Notices on some storefronts explained disruptions due to "technical issues" or "annual leave," while others did not specify reasons.
Participating in the strike, employees from a well-known fast-food chain and a downtown cosmetic store reported a noticeable drop in customer numbers.
Postal workers also noted reduced activity at service counters.
The strike call coincided with student-led protests, motivating some citizens to refrain from shopping.
Businesspeople in large commercial chains declined to comment on sales figures, referring inquiries to management.
Similarly, the film industry paused its operations, with cinema 'Roda Cineplex' in Banovo Brdo among those that closed.
Creative notifications in various shops, such as a pizzeria advising customers to "reserve Friday for pizza at home," suggest support for the protests among some business owners.
Across town, while Boulevard Kralja Aleksandra had more storefronts open, they reported few customers.
Employees either stood outside or recorded footage as students marched from Vukov Spomenik to Ušće.
The contrast was evident in central areas like Knez Mihailova and Republic Square, where visitor traffic comprised mainly of tourists seemingly unaware of the strike's significance.
In artistic quarters such as Čumićevo Sokače, many shops were locked, showcasing solidarity with student demonstrators.
Bookstores, including well-known chains like Vulkan and Laguna, stayed closed in large support of the protest, with nearly all stores in the city participating in the shutdown.
For ongoing updates on the general strike, visit the Danas blog.
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