Pimpri: The outbreak of COVID-19 has affected businesses badly. Generally, people buy raincoats by the end of May or start of June. But this year, conditions have changed drastically.
10% increase in the rate of raincoats, the outbreak of COVID-19 and inadequate time for manufacturing have caused tremendous harm to the market. The demand for raincoats has decreased significantly due to which raincoat traders are under stress.
Generally, the demand for raincoats increases at the end of May and beginning of June. But as the country is slowly coming out of the lockdown, demand for raincoat remains low. The fact that the schools and colleges remain closed has played a big role in affecting the demand for raincoats. 50 per cent of the total demand comes from students. Like all business, even the raincoat business has been heavily affected due to the pandemic, now if the schools and colleges don't re-open soon during the monsoon season, the raincoat traders will be heavily affected.
Some sellers only sell raincoats whereas some sell raincoats with other clothes. Therefore, people who only sell raincoats have to face intense competition. In that, nowadays people are losing jobs and therefore postponing a plan to buy raincoats. Some prefer to wear old raincoats.
Rates of Raincoats-
Generally, the rate of raincoats which include shirt, pant and cap range from Rs.500 to Rs.800. A branded raincoat would cost anywhere between Rs.1000 to Rs.1200. The material used in the manufacturing of these raincoats also plays a significant role in the pricing.
Due to the lockdown, new material has not reached the market. But due to insufficient labour and an increase in transportation cost has led to an increase in the rate of raincoats by 10%. Camouflage raincoat is a favourite of youth. Some shops also have appointed salesman for attracting customers.
Babulal Bishnoi, a raincoat seller says, “This time there is an 80% cut in demand. There are hardly customers in shops. As per the rule, timings for keeping shops open are 9 am to 5 pm. But, people are hesitating to come out for shopping. Even on Sunday, there is no as much crowd as expected.”
