The unique feature of the unorganised/informal retail trade is that there is absolute free entry and free exit. In the recent past there has been stagnation in the generation of job opportunities and income generating activities. Job seekers are unable to gain employment quickly, particularly in the formal sector. In fact employment in the formal sector in recent years is reported to have registered nil or marginal growth. Consequently unemployment and underemployment have become serious problems, particularly in the big cities. As a result more and more of those who cannot find regular organised jobs are forced to enter into low paid gobs/activities with least security in the informal sector, primarily in unorganised (informal) retail trading activities.

 Dr.C.Murukadas, The Hindu Business Line,  Sep 28, 2012