On the eve of ‘Akshaya Tritiya’, it is probably not the most profitable time for the city-based Jewellers this year to expect high gold sales on the auspicious day.
Most already blame the off-marriage season while some fear the high gold prices may make the customers avoid such purchase. A staff at one of the local shops at Sadar Bazar in the city said they are not earning well as gold rate is currently on the higher side. Similarly, Raipur Sarafa Association Secretary Ashok Pagariya informed gold price on Sunday was ` 30,000 per 10 grams.
“In such a scenario, it is challenging to woo the customers,” he said.
Notably, thousands jewellers across the country were on strike for a period of over a month against the proposed one percent excise duty hike on non-silver Jewellery which was called off few days back.
Asked if the post-strike scenario had also affected the business, Harak Malu, President of Raipur Sarafa Association however remains optimistic and said, “After the strike, the situation was not bad. Yes, compared to previous years we are facing some loss basically as there is no marriage season at present. The gold rates are not affecting our sales.”
Malu said, “Purchasing gold is a tradition on Akshaya Tritiya. In such a case, people rather prefer gold coins over any other gold item.”