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Christmas festivities
Of course, one can’t ignore the damping effect of demonetisation on these traders. Like with many businesses bearing the brunt of the move, sales are down at many shops in spite of having options for digital payments available.
City stores decked with Christmas preps
There’s a fundamental thing about festivals in India - retailers and wholesalers in the entire country irrespective of their religion marvel in the spirit of the joyous occasion; every store is stocked with themed decorations and items.
With only ten days left for Christmas, shops and stores in the city are all set for the festival; a quick drive around a few streets and one can see trees, houses, decorative stars and balls adorning every commercial establishment.
Speaking to CityTab, owner of Shraddha Extension store in Punjagutta, Sumit informed, “This year we have a lot of new items like wall stickers with LED lights, snow-themed items, metal and wood stars and many more.”
Of course, the festival is incomplete without the iconic Christmas tree. Sumit said, “We have 40 different varieties of trees ranging from Rs 40 to Rs 44,000. And to decorate these, there are stars which are made of different material ranging from Rs 40 to Rs 2,000.”
A store manager of Himalaya Book World, Syed Abad Ali has also stocked their outlet with many new items like stars and lanterns for decoration of Christmas trees. “Our specialty is the handmade stars which are multicoloured and of course the tree-shaped star.”
Wholesalers and independent shopkeepers at Begum Bazaar in the Old City are ready with their seasonal goodies as well. In particular, life-size installations of Santa Claus are the most favoured buying option for many, particularly little kids who accompany their parents for festive shopping.
A store owner in the area informed that while chain stores may seem fancy, they have similar and better options for festive decorations at affordable prices.
Of course, one can’t ignore the damping effect of demonetisation on these traders. Like with many businesses bearing the brunt of the move, sales are down at many shops in spite of having options for digital payments available.
Sumit (Panjagutta) agreed, “Yes, there is an impact of demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. In the past one month business is down. Only a few days are left for Christmas, but our sales are very less.”
Aneri Shah
