Consumer complaints: Forced to bargain on every purchase, Dashain shopping gets expensive (video)

KATHMANDU: As the Dashain festival approaches, the market has started to bustle with people shopping for the occasion. Major markets in Kathmandu Valley are now witnessing consumer activity as people step out to shop for Dashain.

However, traders have claimed that business is down by 75% compared to previous years. They argue that the market does not reflect the typical festive rush.

Key shopping areas like Asan, New Road, Maha Bouddha, and Bhotahiti are seeing increasing foot traffic, but consumers are complaining about the rising prices.

Many have expressed frustration over the higher cost of goods, such as shoes, clothes, and other essentials, compared to previous years. Every year, as festivals approach, the prices of such items increase, leading to financial strain on consumers.

Shoppers in these markets have shared that the prices are far higher than expected. Traders and shopkeepers have also acknowledged a 20% increase in prices this year, making products less affordable for the average buyer.

Purnachandra Bhatt, who came to Asan from Raniban for shopping, said that the market is noticeably more expensive this year compared to previous ones.

Bhatt pointed out that many stores selling clothing for men, women, and children do not have price tags displayed. He urged the government to ensure all businesses are registered and that price lists are clearly visible to customers. He mentioned that without price lists, shopkeepers are free to set arbitrary prices, leading to inconsistent pricing from one shop to another. Bhatt added that this creates a situation where customers are forced to bargain, further complicating their shopping experience. He also highlighted the ongoing issue of rising prices while per capita income remains low, calling for government intervention to regulate the market and protect ordinary citizens from inflation.

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Similarly, Rupa Gurung, who came to shop from Sukhhedhara, shared the same sentiment. She mentioned that even a price difference of 200 rupees has a noticeable impact, and she believes the government should work to make the market more affordable, especially during Dashain, the most significant festival for Nepalis.

Smriti Sedai, who came to Asan from Basundhara, also noted that prices seem inflated during Dashain compared to regular times.

She remarked that although Asan tends to be cheaper than other markets in Kathmandu, the current trend of rising prices is evident.

Sedai pointed out that increased incomes in some households, and the presence of family members working abroad, have reduced the tradition of waiting for Dashain to purchase new clothes.

However, despite these economic changes, the market prices during the festival are still a concern.

On the other hand, Krisha Bhattarai, who came from Bhaktapur to shop in New Road, offered a contrasting view. She found that items are relatively cheaper this year compared to the past. According to her, it’s now possible to buy a decent outfit for under 1,000 rupees, whereas it was difficult to find anything priced below that last year.

Despite some differing opinions, the majority of consumers have reported that the market is expensive this year, with the prices of everything from clothing to shoes rising.

This has made it challenging for people from lower-income groups to manage their holiday shopping, leaving many feeling the pinch of inflation during this year’s Dashain.