PANJIM: As against last year the celebratory mood during the Ganesh festival is missing. At least, it is seen in the market. Many shopkeepers, especially those small shops in different parts of the State mentioned that the business was down and people are not buying as they did last year for Ganesh festivals.
The bigger players, who have been dealing with the ‘new normal’ have mixed reactions to this period that usually sees a jump in shopping sprees; with some remaining positive while others have started to feel the pinch.
Managing Director of Bharne Group, Samrudh Bharne which has Goa’s one of the biggest apparel and garments stores is disappointed that COVID-19 has hit the apparel industry and that all the traditional buying seasons are not showing promising signs.
“The market is slow but we have seen a slight spike for Ganesh festival. As against last year, we are close to 40 per cent down. But we have to stay positive and accept whatever comes our way and try to take the maximum share of the cake,” said Samrudh Bharne.
Partner in Magsons, Kirit Maganlal, is positive and believes that despite the situation, they are expecting to retain last year levels as they are seeing great enthusiasm amongst our customers.
“This year we have innovated our offerings for Matoli decoration and fruits. With celebrations being forecasted as low key, our stress has been to wean customers from unsafe market areas to hygienically monitored Magsons stores to ensure that the celebrations at every home are safe. Besides, our stores are packed with discount offerings on all that, which can make cooking your favourite Ganesh dishes, a value proposition,” said Kirit Maganlal.
Director in Definos, Anil Pereira, did not see much change in their customers buying pattern. “Majority of the Ganesh festival shopping is done from general stores of other markets and we have no complaints as we have to live with this COVID-19 situation as of now,” said Anil Pereira.
Proprietor of Kini Supermarket, Sandhya Kini Mayenkar believes that the sale if surely happening as people have learnt to live with this coronavirus. “Things are like back to normal with some restrictions. This time the festival will not be celebrated as it was done last year so people are buying but is mush lesser quantity. Yes, the sales as compared to last year this time is down 30 per cent,” said Sandhya Kini Mayenkar.
Director, Retail in Borkar’s Nihaal Borkar also said that the business was down but not to a large scale. “Compared to last year this time the business is down by about 15 per cent. Since people are not celebrating Ganesh festival this time in a large scale, the customers are buying basically those essential items and in a regulated quantity, which is sufficient for their own immediate family,” said Nihaal Borkar.
A mom and pop shop at Carenzalem, Kalimata Veg General Stores, which is a popular amidst the middle-class section, has seen a normal buying trend. Manager in the shop Kumar Giri said that, “people are buying but it is not as it was the previous year. It is surely a low-key affair this time.”
