Cracker vendors await elusive customers in Pune

The combined effect of the ‘no crackers’ campaign and the rising price of fireworks has dwindled the customer base of crackers shops in the city. Shop owners have told DNA that this year, they have witnessed 50% reduction in their customers.

Talking to DNA, Subhash Kale, owner of Vardhaman Fataka, near Mhatre Bridge said, “Most of the customers who come here are our regular customers, but we have not seen any new customers this year.’’

According to the stall owners, the costs of crackers has risen by up to 40% and this is one of the reasons people are avoiding spending on them.

Kashinath Dhadve, owner of Vishal Crackers Depot at the same location, opined that the dwindling customer base was also because of the mushrooming of crackers stalls in various localities of the city.

“People prefer going to the stalls near their house, rather than going to wholesale markets,’’ he said.

Sumita Shirsalkar, proprietor of another stall said, “There is no reduction in the number of customers. People don’t have time to go for shopping. I think since there are holidays on Wednesday and Thursday, the crowds will increase.’’

The stalls were set up on October 8 and will continue till Diwali end. Kale added, “Families having children will buy crackers.
Local stalls are affecting the wholesale market and the rising costs of crackers are forcing parents to reduce spending on crackers.’’