Sharp dip in business has dampened the spirit of textile traders in Tiruchi.With the functioning of a number of large size textile showrooms on the busy commercial streets, Tiruchi is considered as one of the hubs of retail textile business in the region. The textile showrooms in Tiruchi attract shoppers from different parts of Tiruchi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, and Pudukottai.

There are shoppers from overseas, particularly Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka, who visit Tiruchi during Deepavali season every year to purchase a good collection of saris and other dress materials.By taking into account the bright prospects and untapped potential, this year saw the emergence of a few more players establishing large size showrooms in Tiruchi. While a popular chain of textile operators chose to establish its second show room at T.V.S.

Tollgate, two big players opened their showrooms near the Chathiram Bus Stand and Holy Cross College. Similarly, the Karur Bypass and the Shastri Road too witnessed the opening of a few new showrooms.As expected, the commercial streets, especially N.S.B.

Road, Nandhi Kovil Street, Singarathope, Big Bazaar, Theppakulam and others witnessed heavy rush of shoppers on weekends and the Navarathiri holidays. With just a day left for Deepavali, last minute shoppers thronged in large numbers on Friday also.

However, cross sections of traders in Tiruchi say that the market is so dull this year. Some admit that they could not surpass 70% of sales volume that registered in 2025.While some traders attribute the split in business due to heavy competition, others attribute it to the poor circulation of money among the people.

Lack of employment for farmers due to the uncertain paddy season is said to have impacted the flow of money among the rural people, who depend on agriculture for their livelihood.“The current season’s market dynamics doesn’t seem to be good for many players in the city. Split in business, heavy competition, poor agricultural prospects could be among the reasons.

However, we have ensured that our loyal customers are with us,” says R. Muthukumaran, vice president, Pothys, Central Tamil Nadu.Admitting that business is dull this season, another executive of a leading showroom said that Deepavali business was good whenever the agricultural activities were good.

Many farmers in Tiruchi had no jobs during this year’s paddy season. The rural economy that revolved around allied agricultural activities mainly raising milch animals was also not good.

It has severely affected the business. Published - November 06, 2026 07:57 pm IST