Jewellers expects 10% rise in gold sales on Akshaya Tritiya despite high prices

Consumers thronged jewellery showrooms to buy gold on Akshaya Tritiya today with the industry expecting a 10 per cent rise in overall sales even as prices ruled high.

Some jewellers like Kerala-based Kalyan Jewellers which has showrooms across the country is expecting over 25 per cent growth in sales.

"The sales trend is positive across the country and the southern region has seen good response since morning. The rise in prices has boosted footfalls and sales further," India Bullion & Jewellers Association director Saurabh Gadgil told PTI.

He said maximum sales were booked during the mahurut which started from 3 pm until 10 pm.

"Also, being a working day, the muhurat is convenient. Looking at the current trend, the business is likely to be 10 per cent more than last year," he added.

Gold prices continued to move northward, rising by Rs 135 for 10 grams today to close at Rs 31,290 per 10 grams. The precious metal had been on the rise for the past two-three days ahead of the big sales day.

Gold has a special place in the Akshaya Tritiya celebrations and this year too, activity points to the return of positive sentiment, said Somasundaram P R, managing director at World Gold Council India.

All-India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council vice-chairman Anantha Padmanaban said the day began on a slow pace but gathered momentum towards the evening.

"Mostly business is brisk in the south. However, it slower in the north, central and the western regions. Looking at the trends from different parts we are expecting a 10 per cent growth in sales during this Akshaya Tritiya compared to last year," he added.

Balram Garg, the managing director of Delhi-based PC Jewellers, which has around 100 stores across the country, said jewellery sales of both gold and diamond are higher than last year.

Thrissur-headquartered Kalyan Jewellers chairman TS Kalyanaraman said the sales momentum has been good from the morning across his stores.

"We expect over 25 per cent growth in sales this year. Higher price does not seem to have dampened the spirit as a shift to the organised sector has boosted the market sentiment," he said.

"Among regions, business is bullish in Karnataka and Bengal with strong sales," Kalyanaraman added.

Echoing similar views, Sandeep Kulhalli, senior vice-president for marketing and retail at Titan said, "We performed well this Akshaya Tritiya compared to previous years, with volumes being much higher than expectation."