Monday, November 1, 2010

Festive shopping peaks on last weekend

NEW DELHI: With Diwali on coming Friday, Delhiites made the most of their weekend by going out for shopping on Sunday. Major markets across the capital were abuzz with excitement as thousands thronged the shops to buy gifts and items for Dhanteras and Diwali.

Though the Diwali rush came a ''little too late'' for shopkeepers due to the recently-concluded Games, many said the business picked up exponentially in the last couple of days. ''Usually Diwali shopping starts a few days before Dussehra but this year we started a little late. Since last week business has picked up. We did good on the weekend and hope to make up for the lost time in the next few days,'' said Tulsi Dass, owner of a saree shop in Sarojini Nagar.

Dass's claim was confirmed by the huge rush of people, who had come for Diwali shopping, in the Sarojini Nagar market on Sunday. ''I come to Sarojini Nagar market every year for Diwali shopping but I have never seen such a rush. Maybe because this is the only weekend we have to finish preparations for the festivals,'' said Pihu Kapoor, a housewife.

Call it the Games effect, but the security in major markets in the city has been beefed up with cops deployed at all key entry point at markets. At the Sarojini Nagar market, Delhi Police has put five watch towers with one commando in each of them. A total of 40 policemen have been deployed in and around the market to keep a watch.

A similar security setup is in place at the main Lajpat Nagar market. ''We feared the security arrangement, which affected our business during the Games, will spoil mood during Diwali. But we are glad to see that it is having little effect of people's festive excitement," said Prempal, who sells decorative items at the Lajpat Nagar market.

On Sunday, newly-renovated Connaught Place was also bustling with shoppers, who enjoyed every bit of their shopping experience. ''Coming to CP was a problem earlier, but now it's an all new experience shopping here. I wasn't sure if shops in CP would open on a Sunday but I was surprised to see such a rush here,'' said Ravi Parwal, an MNC professional.

Read more: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Festive-shopping-peaks-on-last-weekend/articleshow/6850026.cms#ixzz141RjTX75

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