Kathmandu, Just as small and medium businesses were recovering from the trauma of recent floods, another blow has struck. The Gen-Z protests, ongoing import disruptions, and blocked trade routes have crippled Dashain-season commerce.

Dashain starts on September 22, but despite some crowd activity in markets, sales remain stagnant. Shops are open, but the shelves lack new seasonal stock especially clothes, shoes, and cosmetics, which usually see peak demand.

Major trade routes like Kerung and Tatopani are either shut or only partially functional. Hundreds of containers carrying ready-made clothes and electric vehicles are stuck at Korala customs point in Mustang due to internet issues and lack of infrastructure. Only old stock is available, and new goods from India and China haven't arrived in time.

“Customers are only buying essentials. There's no demand for festive clothing this year,” says Mithila Khadka, a clothing retailer in New Baneshwor.

Business leaders warn of a multi-layered crisis  flood damage, uncontrolled protests, economic slowdown, and port delays. Many traders fear debt defaults, as they struggle to repay loans and interest while sales remain at rock bottom.

The Federation of National Business says things might ease after Dashain, but for now, consumer disappointment and business anxiety are at an all-time high.