Akshaya Tritiya boosts gold sales across Vijayawada

Vijayawada: Jewellery outlets across Vijayawada witnessed beehive activity, with large numbers of customers thronging gold shops and outlets to purchase ornaments on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. Jewellery sellers said the shops witnessed brisk business throughout the day, particularly in the small-ornaments segment, owing to strong customer sentiment of buying gold for the festival.Showrooms commenced sales operations as early as 8 am, anticipating a high customer turnout. To attract customers, many showrooms announced a range of offers, such as up to 30% off on wastage charges in ornament making, besides gift coupons."With or without offers, we are bound to buy a gold ornament for Akshaya Tritiya. Buying gold, even in small amounts, is the norm among middle-class families on this occasion. Gold is no longer seen only as an ornament but also as a long-term investment, given its rally and the expectation of high returns in the future," said Rammurthy, who was browsing various ornament designs at a private showroom on Tikkle Road in the city.Showroom managers said they anticipate the customer rush to continue into next week and noted that demand for gold ornaments remains strong despite the steep increase in prices.