Nov 26, 2015- An unofficial Indian trade blockade and unrest in the Tarai have dampened sales of winter clothing as stores have not been able to offer new designs to their customers. At the same time, potential shoppers have become housebound due to a fuel shortage created by the embargo.
Although the winter season has already started, apparel dealers have no new offerings as their shipments are stuck at the border due to the blockade.
Stores in the Kathmandu Valley are waiting anxiously for the current problem to be resolved so that they can launch the latest designs trending in the market. Most shops have brought out their old stocks while some outlets have displayed new designs with heavy price tags. Traders said that prices were higher than last year as they had to bring their goods by expensive air cargo. “We have been able to offer only 10-15 percent of the clothing selections compared to last year,” said Hari Gyawali, proprietor of B4 Fashion located at People’s Plaza, Khicha Pokhari. He added that he had been buying small quantities of clothes from wholesalers at high prices.
Style Icon, an apparel store at City Centre, Kamal Pokhari, expressed the same sentiments. “Business is down 90 percent. First, we are not able to offer new products. Second, customers are not able to travel far to do their shopping because their vehicles are low on fuel,” said Rohit Nepal, manager of the showroom.
Even then, the shop has launched some jackets, sweaters, jumpers and hoods that were brought by air from China and Thailand. Prices of jackets range from Rs4,800 to Rs7,500, while jumpers and hoods cost between Rs2,200 and Rs2,500. Sweaters range in price from Rs2,200 to Rs3,500. According to traders, the goods cost 30-40 percent more due to higher air freight charges.
Surya Nepal, the manufacturer of Springwood and John Players brands of men’s wear, is yet to launch new designs. “Only around 50 percent of the designs for this winter have been launched.” said Ishwor Gautam, business head at the domestic garment department of Surya Nepal.
“This season should have been the busiest time of the year, but winter sales are the lowest in a decade,” said Parshuram Shrestha, proprietor of Men’s and Women’s Wear at Suraj Arcade, Makhan Tol. “We would bring winter clothes in wide colour options and special designs at this time with hopes of good sales, but our whole winter plan has been disrupted by the blockade.”
Stores in the Kathmandu Valley are waiting anxiously for the current problem to be resolved so that they can launch the latest designs trending in the market. Most shops have brought out their old stocks while some outlets have displayed new designs with heavy price tags. Traders said that prices were higher than last year as they had to bring their goods by expensive air cargo. “We have been able to offer only 10-15 percent of the clothing selections compared to last year,” said Hari Gyawali, proprietor of B4 Fashion located at People’s Plaza, Khicha Pokhari. He added that he had been buying small quantities of clothes from wholesalers at high prices.
Style Icon, an apparel store at City Centre, Kamal Pokhari, expressed the same sentiments. “Business is down 90 percent. First, we are not able to offer new products. Second, customers are not able to travel far to do their shopping because their vehicles are low on fuel,” said Rohit Nepal, manager of the showroom.
Even then, the shop has launched some jackets, sweaters, jumpers and hoods that were brought by air from China and Thailand. Prices of jackets range from Rs4,800 to Rs7,500, while jumpers and hoods cost between Rs2,200 and Rs2,500. Sweaters range in price from Rs2,200 to Rs3,500. According to traders, the goods cost 30-40 percent more due to higher air freight charges.
Surya Nepal, the manufacturer of Springwood and John Players brands of men’s wear, is yet to launch new designs. “Only around 50 percent of the designs for this winter have been launched.” said Ishwor Gautam, business head at the domestic garment department of Surya Nepal.
“This season should have been the busiest time of the year, but winter sales are the lowest in a decade,” said Parshuram Shrestha, proprietor of Men’s and Women’s Wear at Suraj Arcade, Makhan Tol. “We would bring winter clothes in wide colour options and special designs at this time with hopes of good sales, but our whole winter plan has been disrupted by the blockade.”
Published: 26-11-2015
source= sabkura.pvt.ltd
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