However, traders say rise in price has not affected the sales and the demand for umbrella has increased with the onset of monsoon.[break]
Rajan Gupta, a vendor at Sundhara, said price of umbrellas has increased in range of Rs 25 to Rs 50. “Umbrellas that were available at Rs 225 last year now costs Rs 250. Similarly, umbrellas that cost Rs 450 last year is now available at Rs 500,” Gupta said.
Not only during monsoon, traders said many people carry umbrella to protect themselves from harmful rays of sun and avoid scorching heat. “People today are more health conscious compared to, say, five years ago,” Bipul Gajurel, proprietor of Bipul Store at Koteshwar said. “Some people carry umbrella in sunny days as well.”
According to traders, women, especially teenagers, are the major buyers of umbrella. “Women go for big-sized umbrellas. Teenagers, however, go for trendy looks and demand colorful umbrellas with beads, net and cartoon characters,” said Gajurel. “Most of them go for umbrellas priced in middle range as they prefer to carry umbrella that matches their dress colors.”
Umbrellas priced between Rs 275 and Rs 350 are highly in demand. According to Gajurel, umbrella with beads and net that are available in attractive colors are in high demand this season.
Bipul Store has showcased more than 200 types of umbrellas priced between Rs 200 to Rs 500 per unit.
“Monsoon has boosted sales of umbrellas. I have been selling more than 50 umbrellas a day,” said Gupta. “Before monsoon, I used to sell less than 20 units a day.”
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