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Puja sales picking up despite confusion over GST

By Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Sept 22 - Despite being hit by lack of clarity over the new GST regime and sparse supply due to snapped connectivity, the textile and garments market is gradually picking up with Durga Puja drawing closer.

One of the most thriving segments during any festival, especially Durga Puja, the readymade and ready-to-stitch cloth market draws all people, young and old alike. But the situation this year has been different from the usual norm so far, with more thrust on online shopping compared to market visits for several reasons, including convenience.

Worried about the dipping profits, Prabin Deka, a businessman of Fancy Bazar, said that unlike earlier years, the puja rush in markets this time would remain for not more than a week.

�This time Durga Puja will be over in September itself, unlike the usual timing of the second week of October. Earlier, people used to come for purchasing dresses and running fabric material at least 15-20 days ahead of puja, which is not the case this time. We hope the weather would improve so that people can come out for shopping during daytime,� he said.

However, the traders want to make the most of the remaining period of puja shopping to attract customers with the latest collections of clothes. the main markets of Guwahati, including Fancy Bazar and Ganeshguri, are witnessing a rush of people, especially during the evening.

The air-conditioned shopping malls, however, have an edge amid the hot and humid weather conditions and they are doing every bit possible to ensure a surge in the footfalls. From attractive offers, lucky draw coupons to decorating the malls in a befitting manner, all attempts are guided towards attracting the maximum people.

�There is nothing like purchasing a khadi kurta after trying it and feeling the material. Online purchase does not offer this choice,� Manikya Dey, a bank manager, said.

For Rajni Sharma of Rehabari, the discounts are not attractive as everything comes with a GST tag. �The rates have gone up due to the new taxation, as we are told by the shopkeepers. Kids� clothing has the highest range this time around,� she said.

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