Pocket umbrellas prove popular in Kerala

Allapuzha (Kerala), July 17 : Most of us feel irritated to carry along umbrellas and keep an eye on there whereabouts the entire day. But five fold Nano umbrellas, which can be folded back to our pocket size, have hit the Kerala markets here. eighing barely 225 grams andthese Nano umbrellas, which can be reduced to as small as 6 inches after five folds, are a major hit here.

Available in trendy colours and varying shapes, these umbrellas have gained popularity due to their compact shape and size in comparison to conventional umbrellas.

'Nano' is one such design introduced by Popy umbrella Mart of Allapuzha (formerly Alleppy) in Kerala.s kids' segment has always been the prime target of the umbrella manufacturers, this year the 'Wonder 7' umbrellas for kids segment are selling like hot cakes.

Various characteristics of this umbrella attract kids' attention like magnifying lens, whistle, mirror, compass and other features.

For shopkeepers, these umbrellas are a profitable deal.

While kids' umbrellas are priced between rupees 100 and 300, designer umbrellas can cost anywhere between Rs. 300 to 1,000.

"This year we introduced the five times foldable umbrella named 'Nano'. It is very convenient to carry while travelling. For children, we have introduced a new umbrella named 'Wonder 7'. Behind this umbrella we have arranged a torch, compass, thermometer, whistle, mirror and a magnifying glass. We are selling this umbrella at rupees 200 per piece. The sale of both the umbrellas is quite impressive," claimed Zachariah, Managing Director, Popy Umbrella Mart, Allapuzha.

'Nano' umbrella is made out of thinner filament yarn, carbon ribs and aluminum handle to make it light weight. It's competitor is John's Umbrella called 'Atom Model Umbrella'.

People are happy to have such a small umbrella available in the market.

"It is a very beautiful umbrella and we just bought one. It has become a tradition that every year the school children are asking for a new umbrella and Popy is introducing varieties of it. In this competition of introducing new items, Popy is leading the market. This 'Wonder 7' umbrella is a very beautiful and a lot of kids are drawn to it," said Ponnumon, a customer.

Companies have started importing ready to assemble accessories from Taiwan and China. Many have even started outsourcing the assembled readymade umbrellas to makers or brand owners of such rain protection aids.

In Kerala, activities related to the umbrella market start off from mid-March and touch its prime during Monsoon (June to July). By Juhan Samuel

ANI