Kozhikode city abuzz with festival shoppers

Traders, who were badly hit by pandemic, heave a sigh of relief as sales pick up

In Kozhikode city, all roads lead to Mananchira these days. The streets around here, including the S.M. Street and its wing roads, besides Pavamani Road and Palayam have come alive with activity as Vishu and Easter are fast approaching.

With several fairs and temporary stalls set up along most roads, shoppers are flocking to the city even from remote parts of the district and neighbouring districts for festival shopping, much to the relief of traders who were badly hit by the poor sales during most festival seasons in the past two years. S.M. Street has become the centre of activity with the newly introduced night shopping being an added attraction.

As usual, handloom clothes are a hot favourite for Vishu and the Handloom Expo organised by the Department of Industries and Commerce at the Stadium compound has many takers. The fair that features products by various handloom cooperative societies from and outside the district is also sought after for the 20% government rebate for handloom textiles.

The Khadi fair at the Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan is also visited by handloom and khadi lovers where a rebate of 30% is available for textiles and 10% for furniture. The fair will be on till May 3. A Khadi fair is also going on at the Khadi Grama Soubhagya showroom of the Khadi Board at Cherooty Road.

To cash in on the flow, the Consumerfed is setting up a market for cooperatives from April 12 to 18 where products are available at 30 to 60% rebate. Besides, 100 people can avail of supplies using ration cards at subsidised rates every day.

Roadside sales are also flourishing. The temporary stalls set up along Pavamani Road have many takers as they offer budget clothing that would not burn a huge hole in consumers’ pockets.