Market picks up pace 2 days before festival

SHILLONG: With only two days left for Christmas, business in city markets has picked up pace as buyers rush for last-minute shopping.
When asked about business this year, an employee at RB Store in Police Bazar said the sale at the departmental store is average but in the patisserie section, the demand for black forest and chocolate cakes is high.
J Mordani, owner of In Fashion, a clothing store, said the sale picked up in the last 3-4 days after initial hiccups. He admitted that GST has been a hindrance but was quick to add that sale this year is better than the previous year and there is not much scope for further improvement in the last two days. On the other hand, tourists’ footfall in the city is said to be slightly less than usual during the festive season when hotels in the town remain packed. Vikash Gupta, owner of Hotel Assembly, said the tourist flow is good but less than last year. “The rush will be there only till New Year,” he said.
J Jyrwa, working with a reputed chain of beauty products, also said the sale “is alright this year”. Though big shops have survived the onslaught of demonetisation and GST, small traders and hawkers are still bleeding. A hawker who did not wish to be identified said the sale is pretty bad this Christmas.
“The sales are horrible this year and we hope it will rise in the next two days,” he said.