Srinagar, March 17 With just three days left for Eid-ul-Fitr, markets in Srinagar and other towns in the Valley are bustling with activity, as people flock to shopping districts to buy new clothes and other festive items.
Readymade garment shops, bakeries, fruit stalls, and vendors selling meat and dairy products are witnessing a surge in shoppers.
However, shop owners are lamenting the impact of e-commerce platforms on their sales during the festive month.
"The increasing popularity of e-commerce platforms is something we have been dealing with for some time. However, there are also local businessmen who buy goods in large quantities and sell them at minimal margins. Customers naturally prefer to buy from them, as they get things at a cheaper price," said Asif Ahmad Bhat, who owns a readymade garment shop in Srinagar.
He added that these "seasonal businessmen" use social media to create a sensation by offering goods at "throwaway" prices.
"Before Ramzan, these businessmen bought large quantities of dates and marketed them using social media. Now, they have turned their attention to readymade garments. I will not be able to compete with them," Bhat added.
Bakeries and stores selling confectioneries say that business is good, but not without its challenges.
"There has been a proliferation of cloud kitchens where baking enthusiasts sell their products online during major festivals like Eid. While I cannot comment on the quality, they offer better prices because their overhead costs are minimal and they deliver to customers' doorsteps," said Jehangir Khan, a bakery owner in uptown Srinagar.
Cloud kitchen operators defend their products, saying that ultimately, the customer will decide whether a venture is successful or not.
"Our cloud kitchens survive on repeat orders. If customers don't like the products, they won't buy again. However, if they are coming back for our confectioneries again and again, it only means that we are offering good value for money," said Noor Fatima, who runs a home-based bakery in old Srinagar.
The Eid economy in the Valley is estimated to be worth Rs 1,500 crore.
Before the advent of social media and cloud kitchens, this market was dominated by a few traditional big players. However, newer players have ensured a cutthroat competition where innovation is key to survival.