Steady rise in Christmas sales this year

Pallavi Dubey | NT

Bengaluru: City traders are witnessing an uptick in business during this Christmas season as Covid cases remain low, and there is an increase in footfalls at shops selling Christmas goodies.

“This year we are having an unexpected 60-70% rise in sales, compared with last year, which was affected by the pandemic. Though buyers are still reluctant, but sales are sustainable,” said J.K. Mahindra, owner of JK’s gifts and Christmas Centre at Safina Plaza.

Christmas trees are priced up to Rs 50,000 and LED trees are the hot favourites among youngsters. The traditional bushy green trees ranging from 2-20ft are the fast selling ones, he added.

Another gift retailer Itsy Bitsy has created a full range of over 400 handmade decorative items for Christmas this season. The promoters claim nearly 3,000 rural women all over the country were employed to make these decorative products.

“Instead of seeing the pandemic as a closure for all decorative items coming from China, we grabbed the opportunity and in June this year, ventured into creating handmade decorations,” said Rashmi Hospet, Founder, Itsy Bitsy.

Itsy Bitsy employed over 200 women to create intricately designed embellishments like 3D stars, glitter birdhouses, handmade poinsettias, conical tabletop trees, Santa sacks, handmade glitter baubles and Santa stockings. All products are made from eco-friendly materials like recycled paper, hay and recycled cotton T-shirts. “Our Christmas-themed placemats and co-ordinated coasters are novel and exclusive,” Rashmi said.

Conical table-top trees made from papier mache and jute twine are a big hit this year. These are a real treat for Christmas decorating enthusiasts. With prices starting at Rs 129, these products come in three sizes (small, medium and large).

Unlike the last two holiday shopping seasons, when traders were badly hit by Covid-induced slowdown, the traders in the commercial street are more hopeful this year.

The owner of EverGreen Celebrations, Safina Plaza said, “After Covid, there is almost a 30% rise in sales in Christmas items, which is good as the sales were nil last year because of the pandemic. The 12ft Christmas tree, priced Rs 9,000, is mostly purchased by church trustees for celebration. Also decorative balls with LED, bulbs are the customers’ favourite this season.’’