Like every year, Uma – the Durga along with her divine family – is set to return to her parental abode on earth this year also. The atmosphere is imbued with joy as people are getting ready to be bedecked in new attire to celebrate Uma’s annual homecoming. The preparations have reached the final stages for Her grand arrival ceremony.
However, as the Puja celebrations approach, there is a noticeable shift in the dynamics of shopping in Kumarghat under the Unakoti District of Tripura and its surrounding rural areas.
Local shopkeepers reported a marked decrease in footfalls in their shops compared to previous years. Whether it is a shop for clothing, footwear, or cosmetics, all establishments are grappling with a significant drop in customer visits. According to clothing and cosmetics merchants in Kumarghat, shoppers are increasingly turning to online platforms, abandoning traditional retail outlets.
The convenience and cost-effectiveness of online shopping have dealt a severe blow to local businesses. Shoppers can now access essential items at home for considerably lower prices than those offered in brick-and-mortar stores. This paradigm shift has left many local businesses in dire straits, with Kumarghat’s traders voicing concerns about their future prospects.
This trend isn’t confined to urban centers alone; even the rural markets in Kumarghat are facing with the brunt of the online shopping boom. Foot traffic in the local Puja market has dwindled to a mere trickle, with buyers increasingly favoring the convenience of online shopping. The proliferation of shopping malls is another source that is challenging the traditional markets.
Sandwiched between online shopping and well-decorated Shopping malls in towns, local businesses are down with a sense of disillusionment. Traditional Puja market stalls sit nearly vacant while the delivery personnel of online shopping giants are working tirelessly to fulfill a mounting number of orders.
An employee from Flipkart remarked on the surge in demand, highlighting that they’ve even had to hire additional staff in view of increased orders for the upcoming Puja season. The convenience and advantages of online shopping are luring more consumers away from traditional markets.
It is obvious, the tide is shifting, and the impact of online shopping on Kumarghat and its traditional Puja market is crystal clear. The local business community is experiencing a palpable sense of concern, as consumers increasingly embrace the ease and affordability of online shopping, leaving behind the charm of the traditional Puja market.