Major shopping malls in the Kathmandu Valley have seen a significant drop in sales.Sales of fashion wear and accessories have dropped by 25 per cent to 40 per cent. At this time of the year, sales of summer clothes used to jump, with people thronging malls to purchase the latest arrivals. But even with the advent of summer, many shops in these shopping malls are not seeing an influx of customers.

One of the reasons for drop in sales is local elections. The first phase of local elections was held on May 14. But preparations began weeks ahead of the actual Election Day. Because of this, many people, who had migrated to the valley for employment and other purposes, returned back to their home districts. This hit sales.

Another reason for the drop in sales is a slow rise in temperature even after the end of winter. Because of the longer winter this year, people intending to buy summer wear delayed their purchase plan. This affected sales.

Despite the low business volume, most fashion stores at malls are introducing the latest arrivals to attract consumers. Most fashion stores in the valley import fashion wear and accessories from China, Thailand, Bangladesh and India. Many are now resorting to summer sale to increase footfall in their stores.