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Retailers expect Republic Day weekend to draw customers

By Sujata Sachdeva

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Diwali followed by Christmas holiday season failed to cheer brick-and-mortar retailers, forcing them to announce early year sale season. And now they are looking forward to the long weekend around Republic Day that falls on Monday to draw crowds.

Of late, customers seem to be attracted by heavy discounts offered on brands and a wide merchandise choice on leading online platforms. Convenience of shopping at a mouse-click, without physically going to the store or malls has hooked the shopper. And the situation has left physical retailers endlessly waiting for them despite offering lucrative schemes.

Now offline retailers expect to see a rise in sales over the long weekend starting with January 24, to January 26, Monday, a public holiday on account of Republic Day. Future Retail, which runs the Big Bazaar chain, expects the positive momentum based on recent sales trends during the promotion period. The group was first to cash in on the Republic Day weekend sales with mega deals and discounts that have attracted huge crowds in the previous years.

However, now with competition among physical retailers as well as physical against online retailers stiffening, there are many players who would try to benefit from the holiday period. Marketplace model Amazon.in, for example has announced a ‘Republic Deals Parade’ (RDP) from January 23-26, offering deals on apparel, electronics, books, gourmet and specialty foods, baby products, toys, healthcare and personal care products. Myntra, Snapdeal, Jabong too are running their end of season sales at the moment with steep discounts.

While physical retailers were better prepared this time to take on the challenge against online retailers with sharp and targeted promotions, experts feel that though rise in footfall and sales may bring some cheer, they may find it difficult to retain them.

amazon.in
Future Group