By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Christmas season is that time of the year when people are busy shopping for gifts to give to their loved ones. It is also a time when businesses are marketing their products heavily, as companies often try to accumulate revenue as the year ends. As time ticks away and Christmas Day draws nearer consumers in Shillong are shopping with an increased air of urgency.
Khyndailad, the city’s commercial hub, is buzzing with shoppers. Shopkeepers said that for the past week or so, there has been a steady rise in sale. Just over ten days to go, residents of the town are making their all important purchases for the upcoming festive season.
“The rise in sale that we had experienced during the last Durga Puja celebration is back here again with the Xmas festival,” said the owner of a renowned garment store of the busy GS Road.
Another shopkeeper, who deals in various jeans-wears said, “The new trend that we are experiencing for the last few years is that whether it is Durga Puja or Christmas people from all section of the society make purchases. This is an example of secularism.”
“Apart from Jainsems, jeans and other wears, the local tribals are also fond of Salwar Kameez,” said a salesman.
The manager of a garment store near Dreamland Arcade said “there has been a rise in the sale of Jainsem. We display different types of decorative pieces especially during this time of the year”.
A dealer of canvas shoes from Glory’s Plaza said that youths generally go for trendy designer canvas now. “I have been experiencing a rise in sale of these shoes than the other Rexine shoes that I offer,” she said.
Apart from these shopkeepers the roadside vendors are also doing a brisk business. “One can find anything from shawl, shirts, pants, shoes and more from them at a good bargain,” said a state government employee.
But it is not shopping time for all as there are also those consumers who said that rising food prices have impacted their purchases even though it is X’mas time. “The commoner is largely hit by the rising food prices. Now a substantial amount is lost in that,” said an ad-hoc school teacher, who gets her salary once in three months.
Another such teacher rued, “For us there is no X’mas or New Year since such festivals count for them who gets their salaries on time.” These consumers said that with every passing year there has been no improvement in their condition.