The demand for khadi products is picking up in the city as the politicians have geared up for civic polls and general elections.
The shopkeepers have made election paraphernalia available expecting good sales this season. Not belying their hopes, the khadi shops are teeming with politicians and their supporters looking to buy the special clothing. There are 10 khadi shops on Eluru Road and a couple of shops on Besant Road. In One Town, the khadi is sold at Vastralatha complex and Krishnaveni Wholesale Market. However, their business is not exclusively khadi products making Eluru Road as preferred destination.
The sales double during summer compared to normal days. The business volume would be Rs. 10,000 per day during summer. And, there is an increase in sales to the tune of 20 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year. It was hovering between Rs. 12,000 and Rs. 14,000 soon after elections were announced. Some shopkeepers were quick to add that it was not the case in every shop.
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“The jump in sales could be attributed to the elections,” says Rammohan Rao of The Cotton Kendra. Stating that they sell khadi shirting, he says the buyers look for shirting available at medium prices though a vast range was kept ready for the season.
“Generally, the sales pick up during summer in the city. We hope the election year pushes up the sales further,” says N. Subramanyam of National Khadi Bhandar on Eluru Road. He, however, was quick to add, the business is yet to take off. Probably, it would up as the campaigning starts.
The caps and flags were available in the range of Rs. 6 to Rs. 25. But, the demand for flags etc was not on much expected lines as the direct sales have been increasing. Earlier, the political parties used to place order for flags and caps. Now, some businessmen from Hyderabad were tapping that sector of business, says Mr. Rao.
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