A broad way for small vendors

KOCHI: Broadway is a popular shopping destination for Kochiites duringfestivals like Ramzan and Onam. It is also the right time for petty traders to set up temporary shops on the pavements to attract buyers from the middle class. The pavements near Broadway are swarming with such vendors who are hopeful of increasing their income during this time.Most of the traders are locals who have set up shops selling various dress material including salwar sets, shirts, bed sheets and kids wear.  According to Shameer, a vendor, the Ramzan shopping has not picked up unlike the previous years.  “There was a time when we used to bring material from outside. Now it is notfeasible. We get the products from the local market and sell it at a small margin,” Shameer said. “The business is not that good in the morning. We keep our shops open from morning 10 am but the business picks up only by evening,” he said. Salwar sets are available from Rs 150 onwards. Shirts and kids wear are also available in the same range. There are other vendors who sell single products only. “We are looking forward to Onam. It is always like that. There is no fixed profit for us. It varies from Rs 300 to Rs 500,” Shamir said.