Prices of umbrellas and raincoats go up

Aurangabad, June 8:

Prices of everything from essentials to non-essentials have been soaring for the past few days. The prices of umbrellas and raincoats have also gone up by 15 to 20 per cent this year. Producers and sellers are saying that the increase in prices is due to the rise in raw material prices.

Although the lockdown has been relaxed, the citizens are refraining from shopping for nonessential items. Meanwhile, the demand for raincoats and umbrellas rises during the rainy season. However, the traders involved in this business have been facing losses due to frequent lockdowns since last year. Trader Sanjay Kale said, due to shortage of raw material the prices have gone up by 15 to 20 per cent this year. The lockdown has made raw materials for umbrellas more expensive since September last year. The rates have also gone up as the import duty on fabric for umbrellas is increased. Umbrellas are priced between Rs 200 to Rs 1,500 and rain coats between Rs 250 to Rs 1000. The business has been hit hard since the corona crisis as people are not ready to spend on nonessential items. The sellers expect only 50 to 60 per cent of the business this year. Another trader Ajay Koranne said, vendors fear that raincoats and umbrellas will not be sold as expected as the possibility of third wave persists. Therefore, as a precaution, the sellers have preferred to order less quantity. Nearly 70 per cent of last year's goods have remained unsold, it will be a big challenge for the sellers to sell it this year. We expect the sales to pick up after June, he added.