Consumers eye sale season, retailers unhappy

In the difficult economy, consumers have become a smart

lot by eying deals that would offer them more for less. They are now looking forward to the year-end sale season to make the required purchases. This has left most apparel retailers in a lurch since they have already witnessed damp year with excise duty, high raw material costs and low consumer buying sentiment affecting the cash registers. Retailers have already witnessed a drop of 20 to 30 per cent in in-store shopping post Diwali.

Even the festive season did not bring the expected cheer with consumers keeping away from splurging in apparel and accessories. Most big retailers are trying their best to woo customers back with offers and advertisements but people have shown low or no interest in the gimmicks.

According to the apparel brands, the average footfall is not at all encouraging this month as compared with the previous year since consumers are pinning their eyes on year-end sale. Even retailers have realised that they can’t do much to lure the customer so they have decided to start the sale season mid-January instead of the final week of the month.