Traders are happy with the return of the Deepavali bazaar at Lorong Tingkat off Jalan Tengku Kelana in Klang. — Photos: Muhamad Shahril Rosli
TRADERS taking part in Klang’s Deepavali bazaar in Little India are grateful for the opportunity to expand their business.
The inexpensive rent they pay is also a boon for customers as they are selling their goods at affordable prices.
StarMetro met Indian garment seller U. Uguneshwary on Sunday, which was the first day of the bazaar at Lorong Tingkat off Jalan Tengku Kelana.
This is the second year she is doing business here.
Uguneshwary is back trading in her second year and says she is better prepared.
“I was selling from home for three years before deciding to set up a stall at the bazaar last year.
“It was a good learning experience. This year I hope sales will be better.”
Uguneshwary said there was a big difference between selling from home and at a bazaar, as traders could find out customers’ preferences first-hand.
“People came to the bazaar looking for Punjabi suits last year but I had more kurti tops.
“This year I have more variety from Punjabi suits to kurti and kurta top for both men and women,” she said.
Another small-scale entrepreneur, Kalaivani Nandagumaran, is selling homemade cookies at the bazaar with her husband Tasaratarau Rajasfe Row.
Kalaivani is selling 15 types of cookies at the Deepavali bazaar with samples given out to potential customers.
Her stall is named Sri Ramajayan and there are about 15 types of cookies on sale.
Kalaivani too started as a home entrepreneur with her star item being Milo Nestum biscuits.
She sells about 15 varieties and has about seven people helping her bake during the festive season.
“After I got married, I roped my husband into the business.
“I have regular customers who always look out for my cookies as they know I sell quality products.”
Tasaratarau said he allowed customers to try the products so that they had the option to buy or walk away.
Shoppers will be spoilt for choice with the plethora of goods to make Deepavali all the more festive.
“We sometimes open a new box right in front of them.
“Customer satisfaction is important if you want to be in this business for a long time,” he said.
The couple are happy that Klang Municipal Council (MPK) has identified a central location for the bazaar.
Trader Parvathy Kandesamy hoped the public would support those who had set up physical stalls.
“We see many selling Deepavali apparel for ridiculous prices on social media.
“I need to make at least RM10 profit for every garment I sell at the bazaar.
“The same item is sometimes sold for RM2 online, which does not even cover the cost of making it.
Customers browsing for garments on the first day of the bazaar in Little India, Klang.
“This has to stop otherwise many small-time businesses will be affected and it won’t be good for the economy.”
She added that she sold garments for under RM60 and kept her profit margin low so that customers could buy more.
“We want to sell our goods at an affordable rate.
“I hope it will be a good year despite the challenge from online sellers.”
M. Praba said Deepavali was not just about traditional garments.
He sells shoes and western clothes such as dresses and shirts.
“I also stock fancy shoes to go with Indian garments,” he said.
Praba said it was too soon to tell how sales would stack up this time around.
Praba says it is too soon to tell how good sales will be at the bazaar.
Dr Thulasi Manoharan said her family from Kajang loved to shop in Klang.
“The atmosphere is better and there is more variety here.”
She allocates about RM2,000 for shopping during Deepavali for her entire family.
“The crowd is back and I hope the economy will prosper,” she said.
