Buying sentiment dismal ahead of Gudi Padwa

MUMBAI: Automobile showrooms and electronics stores in the city are bedecked ahead of Gudi Padwa, the Maharashtrian new year, which falls on Saturday.
Despite the auspicious mahurat, buying sentiment remains dismal across sectors. Scarcely any stores
reported receiving a satisfactory number of orders ahead of the festival, partly because Friday marked a total solar eclipse.
Consumers with planned purchases often book apartments or take delivery of cars on Gudi Padwa.This year, too, realtors, jewellery stores, car and electronic goods showrooms have lined up freebies and discounts. “We are offering a motorcycle, refrigerator and LED television set with our flats in Titwala. A few people have scheduled site visits so we are hopeful they will make bookings on Saturday,” said Shreya Jadhav of the Umiya Group.
Gold and diamond jewellery is struggling to find buyers despite gold return plans, buyback guarantees, discounts on making charges and investment options. A salesperson at Treasure on New Link Road said, “We have tried to use a novel approach by throwing in tickets to a musical show that is being sponsored by our company on April 1.”
An electronics major that is promoting microwave ovens, promised a start-up kit, cookbook as well as lessons in cooking, along with the item which costs Rs 13,500. Even so, its brand store in Andheri said no enquiries had come in by Friday. “We did receive around 10 calls for the price of air conditioners since summer is approaching, but of these, merely one has converted into a sale. Business is disappointing this season,” said S Mahendra, whose store is located outside Andheri railway station.
Expensive consumer goods may not find many takers, but low-cost celebratory items such as garments, sweets and, of course, the symbolic gudi are finding steady buyers.