Diwali round the corner, low footfall worries shopkeepers, traders

Shivani Bhakoo

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 23

Even though Diwali is a couple of weeks away, the absence of shoppers in markets has put shopkeepers in a fix. The shopkeepers said there was not much footfall at present and believe that buyers would hit markets after Karva Chauth.

Anil Bansal from Bansal Electronics, Hambran Road said, “For the last four to five years, the craze for buying electronic appliances is going down. The major reason is that best deals with huge discounts are being offered online. Earlier, there used to be offers with products. However, now people do not wait for offers and buy items as and when required. There is liquidity crunch as well in the market. We are in business since three decades and the enthusiasm is dampening with each passing year.”

Ravinder Singh from Celebrations Gift Store, Ghumar Mandi, said they expect business to pick up after Karva Chauth. “Right now people are busy with Karva Chauth. Once it gets over, there will be rush for Diwali purchases. Every year, we witness similar trend.”

Markets, including Chaura Bazar, Gur Mandi etc have not witnessed huge rush this season. “We get a mixed crowd. Villagers from nearby villages and migrants make purchases for Diwali. Till now, the response has been lukewarm. There will be rise in footfall, once migrants get their salary,” said Rohit Kumar, who sells accessories in Chaura Bazar.