PANJIM: The Christmas season has started, and thousands of citizens are shopping for sweets, decorations, and clothes, among other things. A lot of people are involved in small-scale businesses of selling Christmas decor and sweets; some shops convert into a Christmas shoppe, while many people put up their own stalls for additional income. This season is the most hectic, yet most exciting time of the year.
Russell Lopes, a resident of Panjim, said, “This season is so pleasant as the whole of Goa is lit up and people are on the streets shopping till late night. Also, everyone wants to buy something new for Christmas. It doesn’t matter if it is for themselves or someone else.”
The shopping spree usually starts from December 15 and ends by December 28. Business then attenuates as time passes. The streets of Panjim and Margao are filled with customers looking for unique decorations. These shoppers ramble all over the market place and spend hours on shopping.
Yoganand Amonkar, a shopkeeper at the Panjim market, said, “This is a very happy time for us shopkeepers. Goans celebrate this festival on a very large scale, and therefore, our income increases rapidly this season. We have to keep our shops open till late night Mostly, Christmas stars are the fast sellers.”
The Christmas season is all about generosity, and Catholics and Christmas-lovers tend to be more generous than before. This is a time of the year people spend money without hesitation. Many people also find this season more appropriate to showcase their talents, and end up opening small stalls of handmade decorations.
Valerie Fernandes, a shopkeeper, said, “We sell handmade decor since there is more income for us. This Christmas shoppe allows to increase our income so that by the end of the year, our shops can make up for the ups and downs.”
Vinayak Dessai, another shopkeeper, said, “We bring a variety of Christmas decorations. You can never know which product sells fast at the start of this season as it solely depends on the customers. Since this time of the year helps us increase our income on a very large scale, this business is the most appropriate. Stars are sold faster; the stock is nearly finished by December 27.”
The Christmas season is not bound to one religion. Many people from other religions also buy Christmas products as a gifts for their loved ones. They also decorate their houses since it creates an ambiance of happiness and helps set the mood of the season.
Given the large number of shoppers, two of the main issues that the shopkeepers face are: theft and bargaining. Having one of these issues results in less income for them.
Theft is also an issue faced by shoppers, as shopping areas are crowded, making it easier for pick-pockets and robbers to make their move. While the people have been facing this issue for a long time, they seem to have made peace with it.
Bargaining is a quality every shopper inherits during this season. Shoppers are seen bargaining on every product as everything seems to be overpriced. The shopkeepers also maintain their rates according to the idea of bargaining since it is a well-known fact and comes with every customer.
