Gifts, artefacts, party wear or decorative materials, are flying off the shelves in no time. In addition, the week is proving to be a big time for wine and cake sellers.
Scented candles, dinner sets, wine glasses are much in demand. Again, decoration being an important element of celebrations, it is a driving force for the market. Shopkeepers are of the view that people are focusing on home decoration on a big scale this year.
"Decorative materials, especially for home, are much in demand. Dinner sets are also in demand and people are going for the expensive sets. They are buying cushion covers and other home decor," said Bejan Bharucha, regional head, Bombay Store.
"Customers are going for coloured lamps, table lamps, wall lights. Christmas trees with caps, glittering stars and metallic balls are well in demand. Moreover, kitchen ware and crockery too are equally doing well," said Maltesh Patil, general manager of lifestyle store, Tresorie.
Keeping pace with the rising demand, the store has recently opened another outlet in Andheri.
Decorated boxes are also in good demand as these are being used for gifting items. Candles and candle holders are forming a big chunk gifts to be exchanged over the weekend.
The festive season also has much to offer in wine glasses. Wine flutes, vodka short glasses are attracting the buyers which are available in a set of six in the price range of Rs 600 to Rs 1,000.
"As Christmas is followed by the New Year, the festival is celebrated by all irrespective of their religious beliefs. Christmas is a good example of socialising which makes decoration of the celebration place an important facet," said Patil.
In apparel segment, the sale of the party wear is on the rise. "The last two weeks have seen a jump of 30 per cent in apparel sales, especially party wear, ladies wear and the kids wear," said Rajan Malhotra, head of Big Bazaar, Phoenix Mill.
The demand for cake has skyrocketted. "Our sales have jumped by over 400 times during this week. The rich plum cake with rum is the most favoured one this season. Chocolate cake is also doing good business. It is the only time of the year when we see such demand for cakes," said Paul Pavri, proprietor of Gary's Cake.
Since wine is closely associated with Christmas, wine shops are reaping a bonanza now. Though the demand went up from October itself, the last two weeks have seen dramatic rise in sales.
