Date:27/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/27/stories/2007082754870500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

‘Pattu’ expo to clear silk saris stocks

Special Correspondent

Saris will be sold at a discount ranging from 35 per cent
to 40 per cent
They were woven 12 months ago with the latest designs

CHENNAI: The Commissionerate of Handloom and Textiles will conduct a ‘Pattu’ expo, an exhibition-cum-discount sale of silk saris, here from September 8 to 12.

For the first time, it has asked 37 silk weavers co-operative societies in Kancheepuram, Kumbakonam, Cuddalore, Vellore, Salem and Tiruchengodu in Namakkal districts to submit 5,000 saris that feature latest designs. The expo will net Rs. 1.5 crore. Last year, a few societies conducted sales throughout the year, clearing stocks worth Rs. 10 crore.

This time, the saris will be sold at a discount ranging from 35 per cent to 40 per cent plus a 10 per cent rebate (subject to a maximum of Rs. 200), on prices ranging between Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 20,000 apiece. These saris will be sold in the Loom World as well as in the society retail outlets.

“We are not replicating the ‘Aadi’ sale concept. We would like to take advantage of the forthcoming Muhurtham season and pass on the benefits to our customers. In real sense, we will be pooling the saris and sell two-thirds in the city and one-third in the retail outlets,” Commissioner of Handlooms and Textiles M. R. Mohan told The Hindu on Friday. Those who are in tearing hurry can walk into the retail outlets and buy the saris at discounted from tomorrow . In Chennai, the expo will be held at Vijay Mahal and Theatre Nagesh.

Study under way

Denying that the Commissionerate was pushing unsold stocks into the market vehemently, he said these saris were woven 12 months ago with the latest designs. They had a shelf-life of 20 years. The saris were made of pure silk and ‘zari.’ The sale would benefit around 10,000- 15,000 weavers. A study was on to find out consumer preferences and to stock goods accordingly. “We are trying to help the co-operative societies liquidate these stocks and unlock their investments. Out of the 37 societies identified, 19 are doing fairly well, while the others need some handholding. Depending upon the demand, we might extend the discount sale period,” he said.