Last-minute Deepavali shopping chokes roads in Erode

ERODE Thousands of people thronged shopping areas in the city and other parts of the district on Saturday for last-minute Deepavali purchases. The rush began in the morning and continued until late night, with heavy pedestrian and vehicular movement causing traffic congestion on several roads. In Erode city, Manikoondu, R.K.V.

Road, Panneerselvam Park, Mettur Road, Perundurai Road, Meenatchi Sundaranar Road and Sathy Road witnessed brisk shopping activity. Textile and jewellery showrooms, sweet shops, cracker outlets and household appliance stores reported brisk business as people purchased new clothes, jewellery, traditional sweets and savouries, firecrackers and gifts. Footwear and electronic goods outlets also attracted customers, with several establishments opening earlier than usual to meet the festive demand.

Shopping areas in Perundurai, Gobichettipalayam, Sathyamangalam and Anthiyur also witnessed heavy footfall. Hotels, restaurants and fast-food outlets reported increased patronage.