As the city gears up for Diwali, City Spidey does a round of the packed markets to find out what people are buying this Dhanteras, the first day of the five-day festival.
After a recce of markets in Sector 6, Sector 10, Aashirvad Chowk, Rajapuri, Ramphal Chowk and others, it was found that steel items are in great demand even this year. Of course, you have got your traditional high-end Dhanteras buys as well, such as electronic gadgets, cars and motorbikes.
Ravinder Sharma, a shopkeeper, says, “Steel items have always been in demand, and this year is no exception. Spoons, knives, cutters and other items — all in the range of Rs 25- Rs 250 — are top buys. Some are just taking stock of the situation and will buy the final item on Dhanteras. They are more likely to buy grinders, cookers and multiple-purpose utensils. Customers prefer branded items when they are planning to buy big.”
Jewellery shops are yet to pick up business. But in general, the market conditions this year are better, say jewellers. Things had been sluggish even a few months back. Amit Bajauria, owner of Laxmi Narayan Jewellers in Sector 12, says, "Laxmi-Ganesh pairs are in demand. Sale of silver items is good, as there has been no increase in the rates of silver. In silver, we can offer you something in the range of even Rs 300. However, items in the range of Rs 5,000-Rs 7,000 are more in demand. As for gold jewellery, sales have been steady owing to the wedding season next month.”
