Crowds at Jalan Ungku Puan Deepavali bazaar in Johor Baru have been smaller this year. — Photos: THOMAS YONG/The Star
“There has been some improvement over the weekend and we expect to see larger crowds in the next few days but overall, sales have been rather disappointing,” he said. He added that the popularity of online shopping may have also affected sales as people preferred buying goods via digital platforms.“But there are still those who prefer to physically check the items before purchasing.”
Johor Baru Little India Cultural Association chairman Datuk N. Nilaraja said the number of stalls at Jalan Ungku Puan Deepavali bazaar had risen to about 400 this year. There are 30 stalls at the Deepavali bazaar in Tampoi Indah, which is a slight increase from the previous year.“They are offering goods at prices that local businesses cannot compete with.R. Priyangha and K. Saraswathy shopping for bangles at Jalan Ungku Puan.Among the visitors at the Jalan Ungku Puan Deepavali bazaar was Singaporean auditor S. Nanthini, who was spotted shopping with her Malaysian husband and two children.“We also plan to visit other bazaars and expos in Johor Baru.