Discounts and bargains seem to be only thing that is drawing customers to the stalls at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) this year.

While many stall-owners admitted sales had not been up to the mark in comparison with last year, exhibitors providing schemes and discounts said attractive deals were luring customers to their stalls. In the first three days of the trade fair, stalls selling food products, milk products, clothes, utensils, kitchen appliances and shoes have turned out to be the most popular .

Several shopkeepers are offering discounts and promotional schemes. “Since the IITF is an important platform for us to publicise our products and attract customers to our shops outside of the fair venue, it is necessary to have promotional schemes on offer to woo customers,” said Ashish Kumar, a clothing exhibitor, pointing out the USP of his stall — a ‘buy-one-get-one-free’ offer.

“Providing a good discount on the products is the best way to draw customers, and it seems to have worked well for us so far,” said Aakash, who has put up a shoe stall.

Customers admit they expect such offers. “The promotional plans draw me to the IITF every year. It is the best way to promote a product in the actual market. We get to know about a lot many products here,” said Krishan Upadhyay, a visitor. Mahesh Kumar, another frequent visitor said: “I visit the fair every year as it is an opportunity to enjoy attractive schemes.”