High gold prices, ruling at Rs 26,500 per 10 grams, are unlikely to deter jewellery buyers during the days leading to Dhanteras and traders are expecting a robust season with around 30-35% spurt in sales.
"We expect jewellery sales to grow up to 35%, especially in the light and medium weight category as well as the coins category," Shree Ganesh Jewellery House Marketing and Communications Head Rahul Singh said.
Since the past few days, he said, there has been a spike in sales and the prevailing high prices has in fact has boosted the sales.
Last year, Shree Ganesh's three stores alone had generated Rs 6 crore business on Dhanteras, the Hindu festival considered auspicious for buying precious metals, including jewellery, as well as other alloy products like automobiles.
"With 10 stores this year we are expecting about Rs 11-12 crore business," Singh added.
Echoing the view, Gitanjali Group Chairman and Managing Director Mehul Choksi said the demand has been picking up since the past few days and will peak during Dhanteras [which falls on October 24].
"We are expecting about 20-25% growth in terms of volume and up to 60% in terms of value," he said.
During the four days leading to Dhanteras, the Gitanjali Group is expecting around Rs 400-crore business as compared to Rs 250 crore last year, he said.
Explaining about sales in different categories, Choksi said, he is expecting 15% in coins, 50% in gold jewellery and 35-40% in diamond jewellery.
Talking about demand ahead of the festive season, World Gold Council Managing Director (India and West East), Ajay Mitra said, "With prices stabilising, and Diwali and the wedding season around, demand is sure to see a surge. Demand for gold as an investment option as well as jewellery will rise too".
