All in order: Pooja arranging shoes to be sold at her stall at a Deepavali bazaar in Johor Baru. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR BARU: As Deepavali approaches, bazaar traders in Johor Baru are hoping for a surge in customers. Despite a slow start, many remain optimistic about the upcoming festival.
Henna artist S. Seeta, 42, said that the crowds typically begin to swell in the days leading up to Deepavali.
“This has always been the pattern, and I expect it to be the same this year,” she said when met at her stall at the Jalan Ungku Puan Deepavali bazaar.
Seeta, who also sells costume jewellery, said the increase in the number of bazaars and expos in Johor Baru also affected their sales.
“In the past, the Deepavali bazaar here was the only one.
“This is no longer the case, as there is another bazaar in Tampoi, with Deepavali expos being organised in other parts of Johor Baru.
“However, I believe this is still the favourite bazaar among Singaporeans, as it is located near the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex.”
Another trader, P. Pooja, 38, expressed disappointment with her sales so far. She attributed this to the high competition among businesses selling similar items.
Pooja, who sells traditional clothes and shoes, remains hopeful that sales will pick up as Deepavali draws nearer.
Cookie seller S. Thivia, 39, said she was thankful that there were still shoppers despite the adverse weather.
“Sometimes, it can be burning hot, while other times, it rains continuously. However, people are still willing to come despite the erratic weather,” she said.
