The Bengal government on Friday started a shopping festival at a time the festival season business is staring at a slump that traders said they had not seen in many years.

The Bengal Shopping Expo 2024 at the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan off EM Bypass features stalls selling clothes, jewellery, electronic goods, leather products and a host of other items. The fair, which ends on September 24, has provided elaborate space for stalls that showcase Bengal’s handicraft, from fashion fabric to GI (Geographical Indication)-tagged rice, honey, mishti and more.

“Over 400 stalls at this exhibition feature a variety of products, from jewellery to clothing. The festival also highlights the state’s prestigious handloom and handicraft brands... our rich cultural heritage. I firmly believe that products from various districts of Bengal need better marketing and exposure,” chief minister Mamata Banerjee said, addressing the inaugural ceremony over the phone.

Several exhibitors — retailers and wholesalers — at the two sprawling halls said they were deeply concerned about the mounting losses in what is supposed to be the peak business period.

Manish Agarwal, owner of Gemini Nightwears, supplies to scores of retailers in shopping hubs like Metro Plaza, Vardaan Market, Theatre Road AC Market and Howrah AC Market.

The same retailer in a mall, who took 5,000 nighties from him between August 15 and September 15 last year, took less than 3,000 in the corresponding period this year. “He has not been able to sell what he took. He is wary of taking fresh stock,” said Agarwal, a member of the West Bengal Garment Manufacturers and Dealers Association.

The retail garments industry is staring at a dip of 40 per cent so far this September, Agarwal said.

“For the past 45 days, the numerous protest rallies have choked the city. Many shoppers have not stepped out of their homes fearing disruption,” he said.

Rajiv Changoiwala, owner of Rajiv Creations, which retails salwar suits and has four outlets at Satyanarayan Park AC Market in Burrabazar, linked the slump to a sharp plunge in the number of shoppers from the suburbs and mofussils.

People coming from the districts form a significant section of festive-season shoppers. “They are scared of coming to the city on weekends, when most of the rallies take place. Their absence is being felt, not only in retail hubs but eateries and other places as well,” said Changoiwala.

More than 35 sets of salwar suits would be sold from a single store of his on a Saturday in the run-up to Puja. Now, the number has come down to less than 20.

Changoiwala has been in the retail garments business for over 30 years. He is still hopeful of a turnaround.

“The festive spirit is ingrained in people. The deplorable incident (RG Kar brutality) has left a deep scar in their minds. But they will come out in the numbers soon,” he said.

The shopping expo is being organised by the Confederation of West Bengal Trade Associations (CWBTA) and theWest Bengal IndustrialDevelopment Corporation (WBIDC).

Ministers Shashi Panja and Chandrima Bhattacharya and Amit Mitra, principal chief adviser to the chief minister, were part of the inauguration on Friday, as were representatives from the industry and trade associations.

“This shopping festival and expo aims to bridge the gap between rural artisans and urban consumers, fostering a culture of sustainability, inclusivity and economic growth that will benefitthe state for many years to come. By offering these artisans direct access to a broad consumer base, we are not only promoting their products but also boosting livelihoods across the state,” said Alapan Bandyopadhyay, chief advisor to the chief minister and the chairman of the WBIDC.

Nilufa Begam, fromBirbhum, has set up a stall selling kantha stitch stoles. She was part of a fair at the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre in Salt Lake last month. She hardly had any business there.

“I have over 20 people working for me. They look forward to the festive season. I hope things improve soon,” said Nilufa.