Shoppers Stop narrows Q2 loss, hopeful of festival demand

Department retailer **Shoppers Stop** reported a narrower second-quarter loss compared to last year, attributing the improvement to controlled costs and recovering foot traffic. The management expects demand to get stronger heading into the festive season and said it is optimizing inventory levels and store operations. The stock gained interest later in the session as investors viewed the result as a sign of revival in discretionary retail. Analysts see upside if consumer confidence further strengthens.