For those looking out for shops that offer the lowest price for branded fire crackers, Pandiyan Cooperative Super Market at the Mahal Road in Madurai seems to be the place to go.
Along with its seven primary cooperative shops, it offers company fire crackers at rates that are at least 25 per cent less than other outlets, according to P. Uma Maheswari, Joint Registrar/Special Officer of Cooperative Societies.
Addressing journalists on Monday, she said the cooperatives have been selling firecrackers for the past 25 years with sales increasing by at least Rs. 15 lakh every year.
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This year, Pandiyan Super Market was targeting sales of Rs. 75 lakh along with Rs. 25 lakh from the remaining seven primary cooperatives. While the current year's combined sales target was Rs. 1 crore, last year's sales stood at Rs. 65 lakh.
Schools students were being offered 6 per cent concession with coupons distributed at several schools. Students can also come up with bona fide certificates of schools and claim the concession, she informed.
Further, this year, computerised billing has been introduced at the Super Market. Prizes were also given out through draw by lots every day for those purchasing above Rs. 1,000. The super market would remain open round-the-clock during the three days preceding Deepavali.
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The Joint Registrar appealed to the public to make use of the subsidised rates and buy crackers at these stores.