By Rajat Aikant Sharma
Mussoorie, 3 Nov: Local traders in Mussoorie have expressed concern over subdued festive sales, citing growing competition from online shopping platforms and traffic congestion. With Diwali approaching, shopkeepers say customer footfall has remained below expectations despite markets being decorated for the festive season.
Rajat Aggarwal, President of the Mussoorie Traders Welfare Association (MTWA), said large online companies benefit from bulk purchasing and offer heavy discounts, making it difficult for small traders operating on margins of around 10–15 per cent to compete. He urged the Central and State governments to introduce measures to protect small and medium businesses.
Landour-based trader Ravi Goel highlighted another significant challenge, pointing out that persistent traffic congestion is increasingly discouraging people from visiting local markets and contributing to the shift towards online shopping. He observed that the traditional excitement of festive shopping is gradually diminishing, with purchases increasingly concentrated around Dhanteras. The growing preference for online shopping, he suggested, must also be viewed in the context of the difficulties people face in accessing markets. For many consumers, convenience is becoming a necessity rather than simply a preference.
Trader Sandeep Aggarwal echoed these concerns, saying festive sales have been affected and many shopkeepers are witnessing fewer customers. He appealed to residents to prioritise local shops, reminding them that local traders remain part of the community throughout the year. He also highlighted the impact of rising prices and online competition on the electronics and mobile phone trade.
While the challenges posed by online retail are significant, the concerns also underline the need to improve Mussoorie’s traffic management, parking facilities and market accessibility. Supporting local businesses requires not only encouraging residents to shop locally but also ensuring that reaching these markets is convenient and hassle-free.
