Srinagar, May 23: The Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) on Friday appealed to traders across Kashmir to keep their business establishments open on Sundays in the run-up to Eid-ul-Azha, citing the need to facilitate shoppers and revive sluggish market activity.
In a statement, KTMF President Mohammad Yaseen Khan said the Valley’s business sector has been passing through a prolonged period of economic slowdown and uncertainty, with markets witnessing below-par commercial activity for a considerable time.
He expressed concern over the growing impact of online shopping platforms on traditional markets, stating that the rapid expansion of e-commerce has adversely affected local businesses and the livelihoods of thousands of traders, shopkeepers and workers associated with the retail sector.
Khan said physical markets continue to remain the backbone of the local economy as they generate direct employment opportunities for a large section of society. He urged consumers to support local businesses, particularly during the festive shopping season ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
“Every purchase made from local markets strengthens our economy and supports thousands of families dependent on trade,” Khan said, while appealing to shoppers to prefer physical shopping over online modes during Eid preparations.
The KTMF president also urged traders and business establishments to maintain transparency and offer genuine discounts and fair pricing to customers during the festive period. He stressed the need for traders to uphold consumer trust by ensuring quality products at reasonable prices.
He added that the festive season should become an opportunity for businesses to recover from economic hardships while also strengthening ties between traders and consumers through cooperation and mutual support.
The federation expressed hope that coordinated efforts by traders and the public would help generate increased market activity and improve the overall business environment across Kashmir ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
