JAIPUR: The footfall in the markets has increased ahead of Diwali, however, sales are yet to pick up as people are buying only necessary commodities.
Last year shops were filled with customers. But this year, most of the shopkeepers are still waiting for buyers.
“Last year, I had no time to talk to anyone and today I haven’t made a sale of even Rs 1,000 since morning. People are purchasing for basic needs and no one is thinking about any extravagant shopping like they used to do on Diwali,” said Ramesh Kriplani, a shopkeeper in Raja Park.
By going around the market place one can observe the decrease in the number of street vendors. Last Diwali, there wasn’t enough space on streets as vendors were selling earthen lamps, religious products, bags, bed covers etc. This year very few vendors, most of them were seen sitting idle.
Gomti Devi, a street vendors selling lamps, said she was able to make only Rs 100 since morning. “No one is interested in purchasing these lamps. I used to get many types of earthen lamps, but this year, I have kept it simple because there are no customers,” said Devi.
On Dhanteras, as a custom people purchase utensils. Shopkeepers in Tripoliya and Chandpol market said that people are purchasing small items to fulfil the customs, but no one is ready to invest more.
Markets have started to deck up with lights. Trade associations of different markets in the city have decided to decorate the market with simple lights to give a Diwali feel although no theme-based decoration was done this year.
Many shopkeepers have started to sell their products online. Vicky Chelani, a shopkeeper in Bapu Bazaar said that not even half the customers were coming to the shops so he has started to send pictures of new dresses on social media.
“I started reaching out to customers through Instagram or WhatsApp. We are doing home delivery of the items as well as people are reluctant to come out of their houses. Pandemic has changed the mode of business as well,” said Chelani.