Two more days to Deepavali but sales still slow
SEREMBAN: Though there are only two days to go before Deepavali, traders here are feeling disappointed as the air of excitement in anticipating the light festival seems to be missing this year.
Sari material and prayer item trader S. Nitin, 62, forsees that sales will drop by about 15 per cent this year compared to previous years.
“Last year Deepavali sales alone was RM20,000 but this year I am not sure if I can make RM10,000. I guess people are being careful with their spending and some have reduced their budget for Deepavali.
“In previous years I would be very busy at this time that I would not have the time to chat ...but this year sales are rather slow and I have so much time to waste,” he told Bernama here, yesterday.
Nitin who had inherited the business from his father said, punjabi suits, saris and carpets were the best selling items during the festive season but this year it was difficult to sell punjabi children’s wear even after lowering the price to way below market price at RM5.
“With the sluggish economy these days people are now spending wisely and controlling their purse strings,” he said.
S. Gunasegaran, 59, who has been running a laddu cake business for the past 35 years with his father said, sales this year had somewhat declined though the sweet delicacy was among the most sought-after item every Deepavali.
“Nowadays it is even difficult to sell one kilogramme of laddu ...I only charge 80 cents per piece which is not expensive, some traders are selling it at a higher price. I am not sure why people are not buying them,” he said.
Gunasegaran who has been supplying laddu to Sepang, Lukut and Port Dickson previously said, supply to the three areas was stopped as there was no more demand.
Meanwhile, S Thurkadevi, 28, said she and her family are only having a small and simple celebration this Deepavali.
“Even though Deepavali is fast approaching, I only started shopping today,” she said adding that she was only buying accessories and cookies for her family. — Bernama