Fireworks sales in the city may have fizzled out even before taking off, as traders stare at bleak prospects this Diwali. Sellers complain of poor business, citing various reasons, including bifurcation and cyclone Hudhud for poor buyer response.
The city is home to both wholesale and retail fireworks businesses. While most wholesale trade happens year-round in Afzalgunj and Begum Bazaar areas, retail stores crop up in eight to ten days before the festival. This time though in many parts of the city, retail outlets had not come up by Tuesday evening, and where they did come up, the stalls were not stocked.
“The salaried group has spent its money on Dasara and is restricting purchases during Diwali. Poor buyer response is normal when both these major festivals fall in the same month,” said Purshotam Das of Vishnu Fireworks in Afzalgunj.
Wholesalers like Das have also been hit by the bifurcation and Hudud. While the bifurcation has brought their trade under the purview of inter-State levies should they desire to sell in Andhra Pradesh, the recent cyclone has dampened the festive spirit in Vishakhapatnam.
“It makes it difficult for us to compete with local sellers in Andhra Pradesh owing to additional levies,” Das said. Sellers however, clearly maintain that price is not an issue this time around.
Another wholesaler Siddarth Charan of Mohanlal Fireworks in Osmangunj, said that many big buyers from Andhra Pradesh are celebrating in their respective home towns and have decided to make purchases there.
Retailers, who set up stores on Nampally Exhibition Grounds, express uncertainness if sales can help them recover the rent paid to the Society for leasing the space.
“We have to pay Rs. 22,000 for 12 feet by 10 feet space. We hope we make enough sales this time to recover at least that spending,” said Sanjeev Naik, a seller on Exhibition Grounds where nearly 60 stalls have been set up.
Sellers also complain that the authorities have been overzealous in maintaining checks and balances. “On several occasions officials of sales tax and GHMC have come asking if we have taken permissions. The regime is being stringent,” said Amer Ali Khan, who works at Sri Vinayaka Fireworks in Afzalgunj.