The season of festivals is here, and so are the customary discount offers, clearance sales and free gifts on purchases- in short, reasons to indulge, and spend, a lot more than usual.

From jewellery to clothes to household goods and electronics, the markets are witnessing a glut of ‘special’ and ‘exclusive’ offers.

And goods are flying off shelves before you could think about that eight-letter word—recession.

Leading stores of jewellery are offering freebies like gold and silver coins on purchase of specified amounts.

“Since last year, giving gifts with purchases has become a norm. While it did not generate a good response last year, things are exactly the opposite this year,” says Vijay, manager of Orra, Sector 17.

With Dhanteras and Diwali a little more than two weeks away, jewellers have also waived labour charges by up to 50 per cent.

This has resulted in the jewellery business registering an increase in sales by 10 to 15 per cent this season, say traders.

Gaurav, a sales executive at Tanishq, Sector 17, says, “The number of customers has steadily increased this year. The schemes that did not enthuse them last year, have received a good feedback.”

Electronic goods too are a rage this year with installment plans and freebies accompanying them. If purchasing an air conditioner during this time means saving somewhere between Rs 4000 and Rs 5000, LCDs are being offered with a pack of CDs of latest movies. Other goods like handheld video cameras, computers and laptops too are available on discount.

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