Sales down by 30-50 per cent

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 18

On the eve of Diwali, traders in the city rued a slump in their sales. They say the GST and demonetisation hit their sales. Many people are buying items online and prefer not to visit crowded markets. 

“Sales this year are are unexpectedly low. We have bought enough stock, which will now last for months,” said Surender Singh Baijee, who runs an electronics shops in the city.

Traders said sales this year were 30 to 50 per cent less than the previous year.  “There is not much response from people. Residents are making purchases online, which is cost effective,” said Mandeep Singh, another trader.

  Meanwhile, those selling Chinese lights had good business. Since there are only nine spots to sell crackers, local shopkeepers have put up stalls of decorative items. They are selling decorative lights, dry fruits and gift packs.

“People are buying packaged juice, biscuits and namkeen packets. So, we had good sales,” said Rajender Singh, a shopkeeper.