Panjim: This Diwali, many of the shopkeepers had no complaints as was the case during the recent Ganesh Puja sales.
The sales were normal despite COVID-19 and some of them felt that it was at par with the last year’s Diwali sales. The only difference was that customers were wearing masks and there was no extravagant buying. However, the customers are smart and they are only buying what is absolutely essential for the rituals.
Chairman of the Industry Committee of the Goa Chambers of Commerce and Industry Sanjay Bhandari, however, believes that the sales are not as ecstatic compared to last year. “Sales are there but people are buying for rituals. Since there are no personal interactions, the gift items are not being picked from the shelves. Diwali is known for gifts. It is not happening. People also want to save money for the future, which could be uncertain due to this pandemic.”
Partner in Magsons Supermarket, Kirit Maganlal told Herald that, “The sales were normal. As far as our sales are concerned, COVID-19 has not affected our business this Diwali. As against last year’s Diwali sales, the only difference was that people were wearing masks and I hope they continue to wear mask. We are at last year’s level and I would not be surprised if we do better than last year but we will get to the correct picture only by Monday.”
However, Partner in Borkar’s Super Stores at Margao, Vinay Borkar believed that the sales were lower than the last year’s Diwali sales. “Prices have gone up and people are just doing selective and essential buying. The sales are satisfactory but not very good as expected. The sales growth is not there. However, the people are more confident now and the fear of COVID-19 has almost gone. This was not the scenario during Ganesh Puja when people stayed indoors.”
Kini Supermarket’s proprietor Sandhya Kini Mayenkar told Herald that the sales are very good this Diwali. “Since the number of COVID-19 cases are falling down in Goa, people have become confident but are cautious. They are maintain the protocol and are buying things what they need. In fact, it is almost back to normal and the festive mood is back after nearly a year.”
Partner in Delphinos, Anil Periera added that the sales “are very good this Diwali season.”
