Rain a worry, but festive cheer sparks retail hopes for brisk business in Bengaluru markets
However, traders are hopeful of a change as the festivities, beginning with Ganesh Chaturthi, are set to start.
One of the city's most bustling hubs, Commercial Street, housing more than 250 shops, is facing such a challenge. Mayank Rohatgi, secretary of Bangalore Commercial Street Association, said: "This is usually peak shopping season with visitors from other states and NRIs on holiday. But this year, rain has kept crowds away.
Prices have gone up by 20-30% compared to last year, and we've seen a 30% drop in footfall. Even though Commercial Street itself isn't flooded, citywide waterlogging keeps people from stepping out.
Our business has been affected in a way we did not expect."
Paras Mal Mali, treasurer of Ibrahim Saheb Traders' Association, said after two years of civic works, the street was finally geared up for profits, but rain has made it difficult for customers to shop.
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"This is disappointing. After two years of slow business and prolonged roadworks, we finally got everything set up, but now the rain is damaging it all. Street vendors are another problem here."
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Ibrahim Saheb Street, located next to Commercial Street, has at least 500 shops. "When it pours, the entire City Market area floods with dirty water and no one wants to shop in that environment. With no autos coming and no apps taking rides, customers often have trouble commuting, which is one of the reasons many refrain from visiting.
The govt must take measures to keep the city clean and maintain the streets; otherwise, traders will continue to suffer," said Rahul Goyal, of Karnataka Hardware and Allied Merchants' Association on SJP Road.
Suhail Yusuf, secretary of Brigade Road Shops and Establishments' Association, said: "It's definitely the rain, and also the BBMP's decision to make parking free everywhere — vehicles are parked all day, leaving no space for customers to stop and shop.
Brigade Road is a street where you get everything, with certain exclusives like the PlayStation I sell... Customers come because they know they'll get complete assurances even after purchase, which are fully implemented.
Compared to last year, business is 20-25% slower."
Trade activist Sajjan Raj Mehta said: "Despite the festive season and an expected boost, Bengaluru's yellow alert and persistent rains have dampened footfall and consumer sentiment. Textile and garment traders are hopeful of a turnaround once the weather clears. The next six months have several festivals and the marriage season, so we hope for the best."
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