Shy, shy shoppers

• Festive sales of electronic products up, but expected boom didn’t happen

SANJEEV GIRI

KATHMANDU, OCT 14

With the country gripped by festive fervour, sales of consumer durables have gone up, but not on the scale anticipated. The huge festive schemes launched by electronics dealers have failed to attract customers in the numbers expected.

“The market has failed to catch up the tempo this Dashain. However, the situation is normal as we are having decent sales these days,” said Murari Gautam, director, sales and marketing of Nepa Hima Trade Link, the authorised dealer of Sony electronic products in Nepal.

The festive plan launched by Nepa Hima has not been able to lure customers in the way projected. “The festive scheme has definitely helped to attract a large number of customers to our store. However, as far as sales volume is concerned, the result is not good enough,” said Gautam. Sales of Sony electronic products have gone up by 60 to 70 percent compared to normal times, added Gautam. In particular, sales of cameras and Sony Bravia LCD televisions have swelled.

Nepa Hima Trade Link has launched a mammoth festive campaign called “Celebrate this festive season with the joy of Sony” under which it offers freebies like DTH service from Dish Nepal and a 10 gm silver coin.

Other exciting prizes have also been offered with the purchase of Alpha DSLR cameras, digital camcorders, cyber-shot cameras, home theatre systems and music systems. The company has also offered a five-day, four-night trip to Bangkok and Pattaya for two couples as a bumper prize to be won through a lucky draw.

Samsung, the other well-known leader in the electronics market, also has a similar tale to tell.

Amitesh Roy, marketing and communication manager of Him Electronics, the authorized dealer of Samsung in Nepal, said that this Dashain had not been able to produce the expected boom like in previous years. “As expected, we are witnessing an increase in sales of around 15 to 20 percent, but the volume should have been higher considering the trend in previous years,” he added.

Him Electronics has launched a scheme “Samsung Jhyammai” that offers customers a scratch card with the purchase of every Samsung product. Customers can win cash prizes, CFL bulbs, Samsung DVD players or Samsung microwave ovens. One lucky winner can also win a Kawasaki Ninja 250R motorcycle. Moreover, the company is providing an

exclusive collection of Timex Swarovski Crystals for ladies and Timex Ironman Series for gentlemen on the purchase of a Samsung LCD or LED television.

Of the stuff that cheers us

SANJEEV GIRI

KATHMANDU, SEP 30

Apart from their cultural and religious significance, Dashain and Tihar are also those occasions when most Nepalis prefer to experiment with different beverage brands. While whiskies are dominant products in all seasons and on all occasions, beers and wines have also grown bigger in terms of customer size and market share over the years.

According to local distilleries and breweries, sales normally increase up to 30 percent during festivals. The beer market currently stands at six million cartons per year which translates into 6,000,000 bottles per month. With the festive push, almost all the brands are expecting a big hike in sales and are busy readying their production lines and supply chains to cater to increased market demand. Gorkha Brewery leads the pack of beer brands with highest-selling products like Tuborg, San Miguel, Carlsberg and Gorkha Beer.

For those looking forward to a change in taste, Nepali wines can be worth a try. There are several popular local brands in the market like Hinwa, Grapple, Nettlange and Himali Ramble. According to Ram Thapa, proprietor of Shankata Wine Store and authorized dealer of almost all local wines, the market share of Nepali wines is around 10 percent. "Five years ago, the market penetration of Nepali wines was negligible but things have changed for the better now," said Thapa. "Those who have tried the local brands have discovered a liking for them."

Hinwa, one of the most popular Nepali wines is manufactured by Makalu Wine Industries at Sankhuwasabha. The manufacturing of Hinwa started in 1995 with the production of around 90 cases and at present its production has increased to 700 cases every month for Kathmandu itself. Made from wild fruits like Aaishelu, Chutro and Keshari this wine costs Rs 325 per 750 ml bottle. Grapple is another popular wine available in the local market. Made with black grapes imported from India and apples from Mustang the wine is priced at Rs 355 for a 750 ml bottle. Manufactured by Sakaro Beverages, Grapple is also available in a 4-litre jumbo pack. The jumbo pack is priced at Rs 1,850. Sakaro has one more brand under its belt. It has the popular brand Nettlange in the market.

Nettlange is also one of the most loved wine brands in the local market made from nettles (sishno) and oranges. "The sale of Nettlange is growing constantly as people are getting health conscious and wanting to sample Nettlange as it is made from nettles which are considered to be one of the healthiest foods," said Thapa. He added that the wine hit the market with 50 cases of wines a year ago. Now, at least 135 to 140 cases of it are sold every month in the capital itself. A 750 ml Nettlange wine bottle costs Rs 455. The price of the 4-litre jumbo Nettlange wine pack costs Rs 1,850. And for the extra health conscious people there's a totally chemical free Himali Ramble wine. Manufactured by Shree Ram Laxmi Distillery at Marpha, the wine is prepared by the local people themselves using domestic technology. The wine is available in the local market since 2000.

"For health conscious people, the wine has become ambrosia," said Thapa, the authorized distributor of Himali Ramble also. According to Chandra Thakali, proprietor of Shree Ram Laxmi Distillery, the company has provided full time employment opportunity to five people and part time employment opportunity to more than 15 people.

Where shoppers go shop, shop

SANJEEV GIRI

KATHMANDU, SEP 30 -
If you are waiting for schemes and discount offers before heading off to buy something this festive season, then your wait is over with most of the shopping malls already starting their festive offers. Due to stiff competition at the local bazaar, almost all the malls have unveiled their festive offers.

Bhat-Bhateni, United World Trade Centre (UWTC), City Centre and Bluebird have launched various schemes to cash in on the festive mood as shoppers with thick wallets pour out onto the streets.

Dashain is a crucial period for shopping malls and departmental stores. "The annual turnover is hugely affected by the business during the festive season," said Pahal Gurung, director of Bhat-Bhateni Super Market. According to him sales go up by around 35 to 45 percent during this period.

Bhat-Bhateni is offering a 5 percent discount on electronic appliances, shoes and readymade garments this festive season. For customers who buy goods worth more than Rs. 3,000, there's a lottery coupon with the chance to win a free air ticket from Air Arabia.

The festive mood has started gathering momentum at the City Centre as well. According to Rajesh Lamichhane, chief general manager, most of the stores at the mall have started offering various schemes and discount offers to lure customers to their stores. Likewise, the mall is organizing a Dashain fair from Oct. 3. The fair will have 40 stalls featuring various products, said Lamichhane. However, the mall will offer its big schemes from Ghatasthapana.

The mall is preparing to hold a lucky draw everyday. The lottery is likely to be sponsored by Big Cinema, Big Mart, Food Court and others. The mall is also in talks with the Fulbari Resort, Pokhara for a tour package of three days and two nights. However, the plans are yet to be finalized. Similarly, a skill development programme for minors will be held at the mall on the day of Ghatasthapana.

The UWTC has invested big dough on festive schemes and discounts. The UWTC Traders Association has printed gift vouchers worth Rs. 10 million with each voucher being worth Rs. 500. These gift vouchers will be circulated to corporate houses, banks, colleges, schools and the general public, said Krishna Jung K.C., general secretary of the association. "Holders of the voucher will be entitled to receive a discount of Rs. 500 on anything they buy at the mall," added K.C. Dashain Bazaar was held at the UWTC a couple of days ago.

The UWTC is also offering prizes like dinner to a couple and a trip to Sauraha, Manakamana, Pokhara or Nagarkot to 300 individuals through a lucky draw. A lucky draw will be held to choose a winner from the invoices collected from the customers. The UWTC will remain in a festive mood for three months as its offer will last till then. Through its captivating schemes, it is targeting to double its sales.

Bluebird Mall is giving a 5 to 15 percent discount, said manager Prem Pokhrel. "Apart from a daily lucky draw, we're also thinking of providing a packaged tour to Europe for one lucky winner," added Pokhrel.



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