“Significant increase in customs duty followed the surge in the valuation of Baht (currency of Thailand) and the combined effect has made most of the locally manufactured jackets expensive,” said Surendra Rai, proprietor of Pilgreen Trading, sole authorized manufacturer and distributor of Wild Sports at Thamel.[break]
Price of raw materials has gone up in the international market due to strengthening of US dollar. Last year, long jacket was available for Rs 1,000, which is now selling at Rs 1,800.
Down jackets, which were available at around Rs 2,500 apiece, have become expensive by an additional Rs 1,000 in the market. Likewise, wind-cheater, half-jacket and warm inners have also become expensive by about Rs 500.
“Branded jackets have been witnessing an excellent growth in demand in recent days due to growing awareness about quality among Nepali customers,” added Rai.
Though a little expensive, branded products are often known to be durable and more reliable than the non-branded items. “We often have loyal customers who understand the quality of these products and choose to pay a little more for the value we offer,” said Rai.
However, branded jackets are usually available in two different categories. The ordinary ones are for everyone while a little expensive variant down jackets are specially liked by bikers and foreign tourists.
“The price of raw materials like feathers, wool and wind-proof clothes has gone up in the international market resulting in increased price of jackets in local market even though the manufacturing cost has not increased significantly,” said Bhesh Badhadur Rai, proprietor of Kala Patther, authorized manufacturer and distributor of Mountain Black Stone brand at Thamel.
“In comparison to the sales last year, sales have grown this year due to an early winter. Also, the price of the winter apparel has gone up by around 20 percent,” said Rai.
Last year, Mountain Black Stone jackets which were available in the range of Rs 2,000 is now available for Rs 2,500, while Mountain Black Stone jackets, which were available for about Rs 5,000 apiece has become expensive by an additional Rs 500. Likewise, all the winter wears of Black Mountain Stone brand has become expensive by Rs 500.
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