Chinese footwear throw cobblers out in Jammu

Jammu, Mar 28 (ANI): Attractive but cheap Chinese footwear captured the footwear market in Jammu rendering traditional cobblers out of work.

The traditional footwear, especially the indigenous ladies slippers with gold and silver threadwork, which were quite popular with the customers have few takers now, compared to glitzy Chinese counterparts.

Out of work and market, the cobblers have been driven to penury. Many have taken to odd jobs. Chinese slippers are cheaper and attractive.

"Footwear from China has captured the footwear market here. This market used to be bustling with customers, but now we are facing losses," said Ravi Lal, a shoe shop owner.

The shoe shop owners still recall the golden days when the demand for the handmade leather slippers and footwear used to be quite high amongst the customers.

But with the changing times, the customers are making a beeline for the cheap quality and machine made glossy footwear, which is not even durable.

The capture of the market by the Chinese footwear threatens to completely wipe out the traditional cobblers.

The shoemakers now await assistance from the government to revive their traditional occupation and help them regain their position in the market. By Nadeem (ANI)