Markets loaded with fancy goodies

KOCHI: Santhosh Pandit’s film ‘Krishnanum Radhayum’ may be a flop in the box office, however, the star named after the actor-director Pandit is a super hit in the Christmas market. The price of this multi-pointed star is Rs 1,200.Similarly, Mullaperiyar is another popular model. The ‘Mullaperiyar’ stars are available in the market, in the range of Rs 500 and Rs 700. ‘Ra.One’ stars are also available in the market. With hardly a week left for Christmas, the market is vibrant. The Broadway looks decorated with the display of stock by merchants. Almost all the shops are filled with stars and decorative hangings. Like the previous years, vendors from other states, especially from the North India, are camping in the city with their makeshift shops on roadsides and on footpaths.“Though, we ensured stock by the first week of December, the market became live only this week,” said Vincent, a shop owner on the Broadway. “While the stars are made locally, decorative items, including readymade Christmas tree are Chinese. Though not durable, the Chinese products are feast for eyes,” he added. Decorative items such as small balls, boxes, wall hangings and writings, are the most sought after goods. Retailers are selling everything at much higher price, close to 40 per cent of the original price. For example,   the Santa Claus dress set cost Rs 210, but the retailers are selling it for Rs 350 and above,” said Johnson P K , a wholesaler on the Broadway.The price of ready-made Christmas tree starts at Rs 100 and it goes up to Rs 3,500. Similarly, the price of crib set starts at Rs 300 and goes above Rs 3,500, depending on the size of the statues to be placed inside the crib.