Bhopal: Eid is round the corner and market is flooded with designer kurti, suits, chikankari kurta, caps, jewellery, footwears, itra and many more items. But the recent farmers’ strike, communal clash, inflation, demonetisation; communal tension, goods and service tax (GST) and online shopping have hit Eid shopping in the city. Traders say that their sales are down by up to 60 to 90 per cent in comparison to previous year.
70 years-old Abdul Ali, owner of Sabri Ali, Mulla Ji Chawk Suit Wala, Ibrahimpura told Free Press, “Yes, our business has been badly hit. First eight days are affected due to communal tension, then farmer’s strike and now the GST. Our sales are down by 60 per cent. A large number people from Raisen, Sehore, Indore and other nearby towns used to come here for Eid shopping but they didn’t come this year due to farmers’ strike. Also we had to close shops due to protest of traders against GST which is to be implementing from July 1.
It is also creating huge confusion among businessman. If you would have come last year this time, then you would have witnessed huge rush and we would have not much time to talk to you. Earlier, the road of Chowk Bazar were used to chock-a-block.” “Market hai hi nahi es baar… Our sales are not even 50 per cent of what we used to be earlier. People don’t have money to spend. I think, mehngai (inflation), demonetisation and farmers’ strike are the reasons behind this. Earlier large number people from different places used to visit here for purchasing on large number but this time they don’t come due to farmers’ strike,” said Mohammed Imran, owner of Suhag Bangle Shop, 12, Lakhedapur in the old city.” He further said, “Even we could not bring new products fearing GST. The tax will be implemented after July 1 but the businessman start asking bill from now. Hamari to puri Eid hi barbad ho gayi.”
Mohammed Gauhar, owner of Kashmir Burqa Hose, Chowk Bazar, “Bussiness bahot down hai. It is around 70 per cent. Inflation and demonetisation are the main factors behind this. Public have no money. Communal tension erupted in the city on May 30 may also be one of the reasons.”
“We mainly sell deewan set, bed sheets and cushion covers. The business is 30 per cent down this year due to inflation and demonetisation and 10 to 15 per cent due to online shopping. Now customers are getting default in online shopping so they are again coming back to market,” said Sadiq Ali, owner of 20-year-old Handloom Collection in Mulla Hassan Collection, Lakhedapura.
S Z Husan, owner of Lucknow Chikan House, 23 Ibrahimpura said, “We have chikankari kurta and pajama and pathani suit for children and men in different patterns. But this year, our sales are down 30 per cent. It may be due to inflation and
demonetisation”
“We have some latest collection of in women wear for Eid specially. We have Karanchi style long kruti in chiffon and georgette. We also have readymade evening gowns and short and long choli with skirt. It price ranges starts from 1000 to 4000. We also have single designer kurti, one piece in silk fabrics and kurtis in gown patterns,” said Viky Thawani , owner of Shaurya’s, Womens’ Ethnic Wear and Apparels. “It is true that our business is down 60 per cent due to inflation and demonetisation. Not by online shopping, ” he added.
Mohammed Amir, owner of Anupam footwear Store, Lakhedapura said, “Last year, we had huge rush this time. But this year market bilkul thanda hai.
Our sales are down 50 per cent. Last year we sold out the product of Rs 10000 to 12000 but this year reduced to Rs 4000 to 5000. We also reduced our staff. Earlier, we have five staffs but now only three. I think Notebandi and GST can be its reason.”
Bharat Jain, owner of 30 year-old shop Ratanlal Pawan Kumar, Chawk Bazar said, “ Pahle jaisa bazaar nahi hai…’ The sales are not even 50 per cent. Inflation and online shopping can be one of the reasons. People don’t have much money. Also they have shortage of cash, so they are preferring to online shopping under digital India. Also, number of shop has increased more. Four or five customers are only visiting in a day.”
“Generally, Muslim women purchase anklets nose pin and ring on eid but this year business is down 50 percent due to Notebandi and inflation. Logon ke pass khan eke liye paise nahi hai to jewellery kya kharidenge…,” said Aayush Agrawal, Jagmag Jwellery Sho, Ibrahimpura.
“There is no scheme on Eid. Sale of mobiles are down 90 percent this year due to communal tension erupted in the city on May 30. The people are still in a state of fear. The people especially women are tense and apprehensive and wary of stepping out from the safety of their homes,” Rajiv Saxena, owner of Jai Shree Communication, Peer Gate.
