SEREMBAN: A few years ago, S. Prakash can easily make almost RM1,000 in profit per day, just by selling traditional Indian costumes for Deepavali.
However, according to the 36-year-old seller, the same couldn’t be said this year.
“The economy is not very good now. It used to be so easy to sell a pair of sari which cost hundreds of ringgit but today, it is very hard to even sell a RM40 pair of sari,” he said.
“I spoke to some customers and they told me they would rather spend on other stuff rather than splurge on things that they don’t use often.
“Prices of these other goods have gone up so everyone is on a tight budget.
"Many customers have turned to more cash-saving options... but to us sellers, we still have to run the business to make ends meet,” said Prakash who is one of the vendors at the Deepavali carnival at Little India Jalan Dato Lee Fong Yee here.
Meanwhile, for K, Krishnveni, 40, a ‘kacang putih’ seller, her business is good despite the slow economy and high cost of living.
“I think, when it comes to food, people don’t mind spending, especially for special occasions such as Deepavali. My ‘kacang putih’ has been selling like hot cakes and I have customers from all races coming to buy the snacks,” she said.
The mother of two, who sells the famous ‘Ipoh Kacang Putih’ said it is the quality of the snacks offered at her stall that draws customers.
“I have been in this business for four years and I have regular customers who normally buy the snacks in bulk. Orders for 'kacang putih' have doubled starting last month, as Deepavali approaches,” she said.
M. Kalaiveni, 18, who loves colourful accessories to complement her outfit on Deepavali said, being on a shoestring budget is not a problem as more "economical options" are available for grabs.
“Cheap item does not mean they are not good. As long as it looks good and I'm comfortable with it, I have no problem wearing it,” she said.
She said, since she is still studying, preparation for Deepavali mainly done by her elder sister.
“I realise that the cost of living has gone up so I have to be wise with my spending. It doesn’t hurt to put on a RM5 bangle on my hand rather than burning RM50 for the same item.” she said.