People throng Srinagar's 'Sunday Market'; anticipate heavy discounts after flood

The weekly flea market in the heart of the summer capital Srinagar witnessed an unprecedented rush of shoppers as people from all over Kashmir Valley thronged the market in anticipation of heavy discounts because of the flood.

The streets around the city centre Lal Chowk – the nerve centre of the market that spans nearly two kms from Tourist Reception Centre to Hari Singh High Street - saw extraordinary rush of the people since early morning, with many of them swarming the stalls and shops offering heavy discounts on the flood-hit merchandise.

"I have come here from Budgam district (in central Kashmir) with my wife for shopping. I heard many of the traders were offering heavy discounts on various items at their shops and we did not want to miss the opportunity," Mubashir Hussain said.

He said many traders who suffered damage to their shops had sold the flood-affected items like carpets, rugs,curtains, dress materials, shoes, jackets, blankets, crockery items, etc to the 'Sunday Market' - as the flea-market here is popularly known as.

"The Sunday Market traders cleaned the goods and are selling them at their stalls at much less prices," Hussain said. Though some items like readymade garments and dress materials have suffered discolouration and stains, such things hardly bother the shoppers.

"They have been cleaned of the dirt caused by the flood waters by 'dhobis' (washermen). But yes, I will clean it again at home and if need be use some antiseptic," Irshad Ahmad Shah, a resident of downtown area of the city, said.

It is not only the flea-market stalls that are being thronged by the enthusiastic shoppers, many of the brand stores around Lal Chowk are also witnessing brisk sales of their merchandise affected by the flood.

Various stores selling branded shoes, suits and readymade garments in the once posh shopping lanes in the business hub were offering their stocks at half-rates.

"Though these shoes were under water for a few days, the damage is not much and people can wear them. I am offering a discount of 50 per cent on these and there is a tremendous response," one such branded shoes outlet owner, said.

A youth, Ghulam Ahmad, had come from the neighbouring Ganderbal district for purchasing a pair of a prominent brand shoe, which he had heard were offered on discounts here.
"My friend got very nice and tough shoes on sale here.

I could not resist the temptation of having a pair of branded shoe at Rs 1500, when it normally costs more than Rs 3000," Ahmad said. The women were not lagging behind men in rushing towards sale outlets and long queues were seen outside few of the renowned shops selling wedding suits and ladies dress materials.

"This shop is very famous for the stuff it sells. And as there are discounts for the dresses, I want to make sure I get many at the best deals," Rubina Parveen, waiting for her turn outside one such shop, said.