Srinagar: The festive season of Eid, typically a boom time for local shopkeepers in Kashmir, has lost its luster in recent years. The traditional bustling markets, once filled with eager customers, now wear a deserted look. Shopkeepers blame the rise of online shopping for the decline in sales, a trend that has left them struggling to make ends meet.
“We used to do brisk business during Eid, but now it’s a struggle to even sell half of what we used to,” said Abdul Rashid, a cloth merchant in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk. “Online shopping has eaten into our profits. People prefer the convenience of shopping from home, without realizing the impact it has on our livelihoods.”
Rashid’s concerns are echoed by other shopkeepers in the valley. “Earlier, people would flock to our shops for Eid shopping, but now they prefer online platforms,” said Muhammad Altaf, a shopkeeper in Srinagar’s old city. “We’ve seen a significant drop in sales over the past two years, and it’s getting worse with each passing day.”
The impact of online shopping on local businesses is not limited to clothing and accessories. Even traditional Eid delicacies like sweets and bakery items are being purchased online, leaving local vendors in the lurch. “We used to sell a large quantity of sweets and bakery items during Eid, but now people prefer online delivery,” said Ghulam Hassan, a sweet shop owner in Srinagar. “It’s not just the sales that are affected, but also the tradition and culture of Eid shopping.”
Shopkeepers are now urging customers to support local businesses and keep the traditional Eid spirit alive. “We understand the convenience of online shopping, but we request people to support us during this festive season,” Rashid appealed. “Let’s keep the tradition of Eid shopping alive, and help us sustain our livelihoods.”
As Eid approaches, the fate of local shopkeepers in Kashmir hangs in the balance. Will the tradition of Eid shopping prevail, or will online shopping continue to dictate the market trends? Only time will tell.
