Dehradun markets packed, but festive sales fall as shoppers turn to online deals

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

The festive crowds are back on Dehradun’s streets, but the cash registers at many shops are ringing less frequently. Traders say that packed markets and shoppers browsing through stores are no longer translating into the sales they traditionally expect during the festive season, with online shopping increasingly eating into their business. Shopkeepers say that the contrast between crowded streets and sluggish sales has become particularly noticeable this year. Despite the festive rush, many customers are browsing without making purchases, while attractive online discounts, home delivery and convenience are drawing buyers away from physical stores. A shopkeeper 

Shekhar Arora said that the difference between footfall and actual business had become increasingly frustrating. 

“Sometimes there is hardly any space to walk in the market, but we end up with just two or three customers making purchases throughout the day. Earlier, the festive season meant good business. This time, even festival shopping has failed to bring the sales we expected and covering our expenses has become difficult,” he said.
Another shopkeeper, Gaurav Singh said that traders were struggling despite the visible crowds. 

“People are coming to the markets, but many are just looking around. The crowd is there, but the buying is missing. Sales have fallen considerably and several shopkeepers are finding it difficult to sustain their businesses,” he said.
For customers, online platforms offer an increasingly attractive alternative. Deepika Gaur said that shopping from home saves time and allows buyers to compare products across several platforms without visiting multiple stores. 

“Online shopping makes things much easier. You can browse different options from home, get discounts and have everything delivered to your doorstep. It saves both time and effort,” she said. However, physical markets continue to have their own appeal. Amita Semwal said that she preferred checking products personally before making a purchase. 

“You can see the product, feel its quality and compare it directly when shopping in a market. You also get to take it home immediately instead of waiting for delivery. I prefer both online and offline shopping depending on what I need,” she said. For local traders, the challenge is increasingly to turn festive footfall into actual purchases as shopping habits continue to shift online.