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.



Major outlets / brands at Bluebird mall



John Players

Woodland

Giardano

Reebok



Major outlets / brands at kathmandu mall

UFO

Peanuts

Converse

John Players