Tuesday, 24 OCTOBER 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Increased preference for online shopping has become a matter of concern for city retailers, especially during the festive season. Many shop owners have expressed apprehension regarding the escalating trend of online shopping in the local community. The prevalence of discounts and convenience have emerged as the primary factors driving individuals toward online shopping. To address this issue in favour of retailers, the government should impose certain restrictions on online shopping, said the Doon Valley Mahanagar Udyog Vyapar Mandal (DVMUVM) president Pankaj Masson.
Commenting on the increased trend of online shopping, clothes shop owner Vijay Narula said that in recent years there has been a noticeable decline in the sales of clothes and other items. This can be attributed to the increasing trend of online shopping, particularly during festive seasons. Due to this the market retailers are anticipating lower sales this festive season as consumers continue to prefer online shopping. The availability of discounts and offers act as a significant motivator for people to engage in online shopping, he added.
Another shopkeeper who sells decorative items, Manish Rastogi said, “In the recent Navratri, we have observed a decline in the sale of decorative items. It is expected that this trend will extend to clothes, decorative items and various other essential goods as well. People find online shopping to be a more convenient option as it eliminates the need to physically visit stores and deal with crowded environments. It is evident that online shopping has had a substantial impact on the market economy in recent years.”
Masson told this correspondent that the rising popularity of online shopping has become a major concern for market retailers. During the past year, the sales of products in the market, particularly during the festive season, experienced a decline of approximately 40 per cent. It is anticipated that this year’s festive season sales will see a decline by an average of 45 per cent compared to the previous year. “The presence of street vendors and competitive prices has prompted people to gravitate towards online shopping. The municipal corporation should take appropriate measures regarding the positioning of street vendors in the main market. Additionally, the government should impose certain restrictions on online shopping websites to address this issue,” said Masson.
