Visakhapatnam: Brick-and-mortar stores in Visakhapatnam are disappointed with the turnout so far ahead of the Friendship Day that will be celebrated on Sunday, August 4.Sales of friendship bands, cards, stuffed animals and keychains have not seen much boost at the physical gift stores. People, cutting across ages, are choosing the virtual social media to send visual presents.In recent years, many friendships have shifted online. So have the gifts. The digital media does make staying in touch with loved ones who are far away easier. But it has negatively affected sales at the traditional gift stores.Kalavati, a gift shop owner, shared with Deccan Chronicle her concern about business witnessing a significant drop this year. Last year, she said, she had many young customers, including schoolchildren and college students, who purchased friendship bands and cards, often exchanging them right outside her shop. This year, however, the footfalls are meagre.Yashwant, who runs a shop at Siripuram Junction, echoed similar sentiments. His store offers a variety of gifts year-round. But the sales of friendship bands and cards have plummeted this year due to rise in online shopping.Bakers have also taken a hit. A bakery owner, on condition of anonymity, said he now receives more online orders than offline. Even then, sales are not much.Online business is booming, though difficulties are being experienced by physical retailers. With consumer tastes changing, online platforms are offering an abundance of virtual gift choices, such personalised e-cards and digital friendship bands.
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