Dasain shopping: crowds throng Asan-Newroad, business slow in Darbarmarg and malls

As Dasain approaches, Kathmandu's major markets are showing contrasting shopping scenes. Crowds have grown in Asan and Newroad as people come to buy new clothes, shoes, foodgrains, spices and puja materials. The tradition of buying new clothing for the family means Asan, an old commercial hub, sees increased activity every Dasain.

In Darbarmarg, known for branded goods, traders say business has not been as expected despite discounts on clothes, shoes and bags. Customers visit the shops, they say, but sales have not matched the footfall.

Traders have decorated their shops, brought in new stock and run special offers targeting the festival. Business owners say shopping malls too have seen people moving around but fewer actually buying. Malls such as Civil Mall, Kathmandu Mall, United World Trade Centre, Labim Mall, City Centre and People's Plaza were once customers' first choice.

With new malls and shops opening in many parts of the valley, customers no longer need to travel far, which has affected the older malls. While cinema halls, restaurants and food stalls inside the malls see crowds, business at clothing shops remains weak.