MUMBAI: The retail market for election campaign materials in Maharashtra is facing a downturn, with several long-established stores seeing a sharp decline in business. This shift comes as political parties are increasingly turning to wholesalers in Surat and Ahmedabad for bulk procurement of election supplies, bypassing local retailers in the process.
For years, retailers like Parekh Brothers in Mumbai’s Lalbaug area have been a go-to source for campaign materials such as flags, posters, and banners. However, the rise of direct bulk purchases by political parties—who now place their orders well ahead of elections—has severely impacted these local businesses.
“Political parties are now buying campaign materials in large quantities from wholesalers in Gujarat. They then distribute these supplies directly to their candidates, reducing the need for retail outlets like ours,” said Yogesh Parekh, a local shop owner. As a result, many small-scale retailers are grappling with declining sales and tighter profit margins, with fewer customers visiting stores for election materials.
This shift is reflective of broader changes in procurement strategies, as political organizations streamline their supply chains and focus on cost-effective, large-scale purchasing. For local retailers, the transition presents a significant challenge, forcing them to rethink their business models in an increasingly competitive environment.
(By Ankita Singh, Web Team at C6N)
