Kolkata: The festive mood on B B Ganguly Street was revived on Akshay Tritiya after a brief slump due to fluctuating gold prices. The street was adorned with floral decorations and sparkling lights, attracting a surge of customers on Friday evening.
Increased Sales During Akshay Tritiya
Bablu Dey, president of Swarnashilpo Bachao Forum, expressed delight over the nearly 20% rise in sales value across the shops. He noted that while they had prepared with light jewelry for the occasion, the unexpected demand for heavy jewelry pleasantly surprised them. Anjali Jewellers on B B Ganguly Street witnessed a bustling crowd, with store managers busy attending to customers throughout the day.
Insight: The demand for heavy jewelry during Akshay Tritiya highlights consumers’ willingness to splurge on special occasions despite economic uncertainties.
Gold Price Fluctuations and Market Trends
Gold prices in the international market remained volatile, with a noticeable increase during the day. The anticipation of interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve contributed to the strengthening of gold prices globally. Rupak Saha from the Gem and Jewellery Trade Council of India mentioned that although the prices had decreased over the past month, buyers often hesitated, expecting further declines. However, the festive season brought about a positive shift in the mood among customers.
Insight: Market volatility and external factors like interest rate policies can significantly impact consumer behavior and purchase decisions in the jewelry industry.
Growing Interest in Gold Investments
Suvankar Sen from Senco Gold highlighted a notable trend of increased interest in gold investments, even among consumers with limited budgets. The introduction of “gold beans” weighing 0.5 gm and 1 gm received an overwhelming response, with stocks selling out both online and offline by Akshay Tritiya. This initiative appealed to a broad age group, indicating a growing desire among individuals to invest in gold.
Insight: Offering smaller denominations of gold for investment purposes can attract a wider consumer base and cater to different budget preferences in the market.
Overall, the revival of the festive spirit on Akshay Tritiya in Kolkata’s B B Ganguly Street showcased the resilience of the jewelry industry amidst price fluctuations and market dynamics. The willingness of consumers to engage in heavy jewelry purchases and explore new investment options reflects a positive outlook for the sector.
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