Stores keep an eagle eye on wallet of customers
With the longest dance festival underway leading stores in the city, both private and government-aided, have come up with attractive discounts on regular goods, traditional items and even on formal wears to attract the NRIs and the local public.

To begin with Bhujodi located at Mithakhali six roads is presenting unique items in rexine, leather and oxidised ornaments made by Bhuj artisans

"A special counter has been earmarked targeting the NRI and NRG customers. The counter comprises mainly of folder bags made of rexine, mojadis, slip-ons, and wall hangings with intricate designs of wool and thread work." "The rexine folder bag is being offered as a special gift by the Gujarat government to visitors who purchase from government-controlled stores," says manager Deval Shah.

Besides there are chaniya cholis and odhini’s made of wool and bandhini interwoven and kajaris (material for backless blouses) heavily embroidered.

Two puppets dressed up in Navratri outfits and christened as "Dolls of India" is a special attraction at the shop for this Navratri. However discounts are not been offered on any item.

Anaahat boutique located at Panchavati is anticipating large of NRI crowd .

"The highlight of the boutique being a collection of kachhi chaniya cholis embedded with sequins and mirror work specially designed for the NRIs," says the store manager Bhikabhai Chaudhary.

Latest varieties in chaniya choli’s include Bandhini, Shibbori and the crushed rinkle material. Besides there are salwar kurtas in Kalamkari, Kaathva, and Dharavadi prints.

For gents the Navratri special include kurtas made of south cotton and Gamiti prints. Also available are bandej duppatas embedded with sea shells and sequins for men to tie it up on their hips and heads On almost all the items, the store is offering a discount of 15 per cent

Among the shops assembling western outfits West Side is organising events on which a bumper prize of Rs 15 lakhs will be given away. Gifts can be won on purchases worth Rs 1000 and onwards. Besides a Tanishq jewellery worth Rs one lakh ,air conditioners and five Westside sponsored gift vouchers is something that customers can look forward to.

"A crowd of six thousand people is expected daily at Navratri of which 20 per cent ought to be NRIs," says store manager Vicas Shrivastav.

Dayaram Emporium known for its print sarees all over India is offering ten per cent discount on sarees and dress materials from Monday onwards.

Handloom shops located at Panjrapole are ordering additional stocks from their respective states to participate in the biggest handloom and handicraft fair at University grounds to attract foreign tourists. The Tamil Nadu government is also offering a tentative 30 per cent discount on Coimbatore cora silk and Kanjeeveram sarees. while U.P government is offering 15 per cent discount on Benares and Lucknowi sarees.

Republished from The Asian Age