Klang’s Little India comes to life in a riot of colour

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KLANG’s Little India has once again burst into life as Deepavali, the festival of lights, approaches.

Jalan Tengku Kelana and its surrounding streets are now packed with people who are out to get the best offers they can and the traders, faced with increasing competition, are resorting to various strategies to lure in the customers.

Besides applying the usual methods like offering discounts, one textile shop operator has even introduced a loyalty card as an incentive for customers.

Plenty of choice: Shoppers have a wide range of products to choose from in Klang.

Others prefer to be a bit more vocal and use loud hailers and PA systems to attract the attention of shoppers.

Chenai Silk Palace proprietor V. Thanasegaran said they had introduced the loyalty card for the benefit of customers and said that it had proven to be a success.

“We have issued about 4,900 cards and all these customers had received Deepavali greetings and vouchers from us for this year’s festival,” he said, adding that his shop offered various types of textile products ranging from Punjabi suits for women and girls and clothing for boys and men.

Thanasegar said he had also brought in a large variety of new designs for Deepavali.

“We have a wide range of branded shirts for men as well,” he said.

Sri Rasi Silk Centre managing director S. J. Kumar said they were offering dresses and other apparel at attractive prices.

He said in view of the economic downturn, the company had reduced its profit margin to offer goods to customers at an affordable price. Besides the 50 odd textile shops, more than 300 stalls have also been put up to offer customers ready-made items, including cosmetic jewellery, shoes, clothing and cookies.

K. Mohan, who sells traditional shirts for men, said his business was good and he expected it to get better over the next few days.

“Mohan and I have been doing Deepavali business in Klang for 13 years and the atmosphere here is really fantastic,” M. Subramaniam, who sells locally-made jeans, said.

S. Priya, who sells handmade skirts and blouses for children, said her items were especially made for the Deepavali market.

She said they were all unique and had different features.

“However, I’m offering them at between RM40 and RM60 depending on the size and workmanship,” she added.