Cupid is feeling the heat of recession. Though Valentine's Day is round the corner, gift shops in the national capital bear a deserted look and the mood in the season of love is sombre.
"At present the common man is concerned about his budget because of the ongoing recession. Buyers are being very cautious about their purchases," Manoj Tyagi, owner of an Archies store in Indirapuram on the outskirts of the capital, told IANS.
"The sale at my shop has not been very good this year. The company has also supplied a smaller variety of Valentine's Day gifts. Maybe they are playing safe, seeing the sluggish sales during Diwali and other festivals. But I cannot come to any conclusion as far as the sales are concerned as yet, as Valentine's Day gifts are mostly last-minute purchases. So I am hoping for good sales Feb 14," Tyagi said.
MBA student Rashima Tandon said: "Valentine's Day is a very special day for me as I pamper myself with gifts. I also give presents to my friends and family members on the occasion. Compared to last year this year is disappointing as the whole spirit of festivity is missing.
"The shops also have nothing new to offer. Most of it is unsold stock from last year. The decorations of the shops have also been frugal in most places. The shops bear a deserted look. The economic crisis has certainly affected Valentine's Day."
{{/usCountry}}"The shops also have nothing new to offer. Most of it is unsold stock from last year. The decorations of the shops have also been frugal in most places. The shops bear a deserted look. The economic crisis has certainly affected Valentine's Day."
{{/usCountry}}BPO executive Anuj Dhingra told IANS: "As you know, recession has hit our sector. There is cost cutting going on in our company and manpower is being reduced.
"The axe is hanging over me. I am being extra careful about money. I am cutting my expenditure and it includes Valentine's Day celebrations and gifts."
Some will however not let recession come in the way of love.
"Recession or no recession - people are going to celebrate Valentine's Day. I agree the festival fever is low this year. But celebrations are bound to take place. As far as gifts are concerned, though there is less variety available and they are also expensive, I will surely buy a non-extravagant gift," said Nitish Jalali, a media professional.