IITF: Prices keep shoppers away

The financial slowdown seems to have cast its shadow over the 28th India International Trade Fair.

The financial slowdown seems to have cast its shadow over the 28th India International Trade Fair IITF. The second day of the fair turned out to be a bit of a dampener for many visitors.

Several visitors were seen ambling along from one pavilion to another, or lounging in the multiple food courts and gardens at Pragati Maidan, soaking in the ambience on a warm winter afternoon, having been disappointed by the prices on the offer this time.

While over 70,000 tickets were sold for the day from outlets at Pragati Maidan, many visitors seem to have fit more easily into the role of onlookers rather than shoppers.

According to the India Trade Promotion Organisation ITPO, the average number of visitors on the weekends last year was over one lakh. 8220;A lot of the crowd seems to have come for a good time and a look at the goods that are on display, instead of actually making purchases,8221; said Renu Jain. While she, along with her friends, has been coming to the trade fair for several years, the offers this time left them asking for more. 8220;The slowdown in the economy seems to have had its effect on the trade fair too. My friends and I have limited our purchases this year, since we have not found any attractive discounts or sales till now,8221; she said.

Other visitors shared her opinion. 8220;The prices are the same as market rates. You8217;ll definitely find a lot less people with shopping bags this year,8221; said Anita Suresh, a regular visitor to the IITF. She said she had to be content with a few clothes and knick-knacks this year. 8220;If we can get more of the same products in the market, why should we buy them here?8221; Roopali, another visitor, asked.

Economic woes seem to have extended to the pricing of weekend tickets as well. 8220;The price of tickets for the weekend at Rs 60 also seems to have deterred several visitors this year,8221; said Anupama Chauhan, a visitor.

Interestingly, this year the ITPO has decided to do away with its policy of capping the number of tickets being sold every year. Instead, visitors will only be allowed to purchase tickets up to 6 pm.

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Few takers for Chinese sweets, juices
While several Chinese stalls have been focusing on drawing visitors to electrical and engineering products, the lone stall selling Chinese juices, jellies, sweets and chocolates has not found favour with customers. 8220;Lack of familiarity with our products and the controversy generated following the ban of milk products made in China has affected our sales,8221; Mao Wengun, of Habixiaxoxin Foods Industrial Co from Fujian, said.

A Thai flavour to the fair?
The neighbouring Thai pavilion is selling wooden flowers and handicrafts, jewellery, cosmetics, shoes, handbags, clothes and other accessories. The shopkeepers were all busy attending to customers. 8220;Their prices are attractive and the quality is great,8221; Jaishree Saini said. Shweta Javeri, another customer, said: 8220;The stalls here have a wide variety of goods, which are not available in Delhi.8221;

Something for the kids
The Delhi Traffic Police has refurbished its pavilion to draw in children coming with their parents, to educate them on road safety. Here, kids can learn about road safety from representatives of Honda. Two motorbike simulators are also there for visitors to test their driving skills.