By P. Chandra Sagaran
Little India here has already attracted shoppers looking for good bargains to purchase various kinds of items to celebrate Deepavali which falls on Oct 31.
The sales carnival began on October 17 and will end on 30. Daily cultural shows are being held from October 25 to 29.
Little India Traders Association president T. Vignes Thillai said:” a total of 96 stalls had been set up, the same number as last year.
” Everything is going on smoothly with good support from everyone. The trading site has been spruced with attractive coloured lights too.
“We want to create a conducive environment for the crowd to do their shopping, ” he added.
On traders who had been affected by online purchases, he said:”this scenario cannot be avoided but there are still customers who prefer to be present at the shops to make their purchases.”
Meanwhile, Perak Gold Shops Entrepreneurs Association President Datuk Amaluddin Mohamed Ismail said, “there is a drop in sales of 35 percent due to online business.
” There are also cases of items purchased not up to mark. We want the Government to look into the online business as we have to pay taxes,” he added.
Little India will see a large number of people as the days draw nearer to the festival when people will purchase items ranging from cookies, snacks, clothings, jewellery and decorative items at the last minute.
The cultural shows are also an attraction for locals and tourists.