KATHMANDU: Open markets in Kathmandu have begun seeing a surge in customer traffic as Dashain approaches, with people flocking to Bhrikutimandap and other shopping areas to purchase new clothes and essential items for the festival.
Traders at Bhrikutimandap and other markets have been busy as customers shop for clothes for themselves and their family members, particularly children and elderly relatives.
Ashok Khatiwada, a trader at a clothing shop in the Bhrikutimandap open market, said customer traffic has increased significantly in recent days as people compare prices and select items for Dashain.
“Customers buying clothes are increasing day by day as Dashain approaches. The market has been busier than usual since this morning,” Khatiwada said.
He said demand for clothing for children, young people and senior citizens has increased noticeably.
Another trader, Shyam Prakash Adhikari, said clothing sales typically rise during the festival season as wearing new clothes during Dashain is a longstanding tradition.
With customer traffic increasing, traders have been busy displaying products, helping customers select clothes according to their preferences, quoting prices and managing sales, he said.
The markets have also seen increased demand for shoes, slippers, children’s products and other household necessities required during the festival.
Traders say open markets remain popular among families with limited incomes because they offer a wide range of goods in one place and allow customers to choose products according to their budgets.
They said customer interest has also increased because clothes, fabrics and other goods are often available at relatively lower prices than at roadside shops, shopping malls and large commercial centres in the Kathmandu Valley.
Sangita Neupane, who sells clothes and fabrics at night in Sundhara, said customer numbers have also increased there as Dashain approaches.
According to Neupane, customers are paying close attention to both price and quality because they need to purchase clothes for all family members during the festival.
With temperatures gradually dropping as Dashain approaches, demand for winter clothing has also started to rise.
Trader Harikrishna Kandel said sales of jackets, sweaters, tracksuits, hoodies and other warm clothing are increasing.
Traders expect customer traffic to rise further in Bhrikutimandap, Asan, Indrachowk, New Road, Sundhara and other major shopping areas in the Kathmandu Valley as Dashain and other festivals draw closer.
People from both Kathmandu Valley and other districts have begun arriving in the capital to purchase goods for the festival.
Traders have also increased their stocks in anticipation of higher demand, keeping clothes and other products in a variety of designs, colours and price ranges for men, women and children.
Customers, meanwhile, are selecting products based on their preferences and purchasing power.
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