With never-say-die spirit, trio start readymade women apparel businessAfter sales at dhaba plummet, three brothers test new waters

Neeraj Bagga

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, September 26

Balwinder Singh (35), and his two brothers switched over to readymade women apparels business after sales at their two-decade old dhaba plummeted in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We got an opportunity after salesman of a local wholesaler approached us with a proposal to purchase material and pay for it after selling the item,” said Balwinder.

He said this offer looked lucrative as they could have never imagined of starting garment business as it requires high investment.

The pandemic has changed the actual situation on the ground and businessmen were compelled to venture into new markets and trades, he said. “Footfall of tourists reduced due to the lockdown in Putlighar area. Even after the relaxations were announced by the Centre and the state government, people hesitated to dine out,” said Balwinder.

We used to serve kulcha in breakfast, daal makhani and alloo mattar along with tandoori roti and parantha for lunch and dinner, he said.

We had no other option than throwing away the cooked food and surge in the Covid cases in the city pushed us to the corner, said Balwinder.

His brother, Gurdev Singh said, “Now, we are selling readymade garments, including stitched suits, frocks and gowns. As the circumstances have changed, selling readymade apparels is no longer a cakewalk.”

Balwinder’s another brother, Avtar Singh, said thanks to our parents, we own a shop and house. As a result, there is no liability on us, he added.

“In the given scenario, we are somehow managing to survive. It’s a daunting task to run three families from one shop,” said Avtar.