Shopkeepers have started offering up to 60 percent discount on winter garments in a bid to clear winter stock as well as attract buyers. The shopkeepers said that they were offering huge discount to clear winter stock, arguing that it would be real loss for them if a large stock of winter garments and other items remained unsold at warehouses.
A visit to various markets indicates that the shopkeepers not expecting huge turnover of customers despite the discounted offers. Flexi banners and arches with details of discount offers, such as "Up to 60 percent off" and "75 percent off" invariably catch eyeballs. These publicity materials could be found at the entrance to the malls as well as important junctions across the city.
Discount mania has hit the city as colorful banners offering 30 to 60 percent off on all sweaters, jackets, groves, mufflers, caps, blankets, rugs, woolen hats, pullovers etc. A shopkeeper said that as compared to the past, sales during this winter remained low.
"This year, we're offering special discounts but we've not managed to attract buyers as yet," he said. "First it was comparatively hot weather this season which hampered people from venturing out and if it remain the same in coming days, I am afraid, we may end up making zero profits," commented a shopkeeper Sale of winter garments remains almost 30 to 40 percent less this year as compared to last year due to weather, which remained considerably hot during the season except for few cold days.
They claimed the few customers visiting market also taking advantage of prevailing dull season and after significant bargaining make some shopping. A dealer at Dolman Centre said: "with the advent of winter season we were expected increase of sale of sweaters, jackets and other warm cloths but sale remain sluggish during winter."