Last-minute shoppers returned to Little India’s Deepavali bazaar ahead of its final day on Sunday, 8 November. As of Saturday, organisers said the bazaar had drawn 10% fewer visitors than last year.
The bazaar, held at Campbell Lane, opened on 10 October and is scheduled to start at 7pm on its final day, which falls on Deepavali itself.
Some Sellers Offered More Deals
Organisers said October’s haze hurt business early in the bazaar’s run. As shoppers came back ahead of Deepavali, some sellers offered more promotions than last year, including bundle deals.
Senthil Kumaran, who heads Akshaya jewellery shop, told 8world that the shop’s sales had at one point fallen by as much as 30% compared with last year. By the time he spoke to 8world, sales had risen about 5% from their low during the haze. He said some customers buy jewellery at the last minute so they can wear it on Deepavali.
At Ajmir, food shop manager Mohamed Faizal told 8world that some customers brought family or friends along to buy more when promotional items were limited to a set number per person.
Organiser Plans to Seek Grants for 2027
The Little India Shop Owners and Heritage Association said changing shopping habits and competition from other bazaars also posed challenges for businesses. It plans to apply for government grants to help run the 2027 bazaar and ease costs for stallholders.
