New Delhi, July 31 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Saturday asked local shop owners and market associations to gear up for a major trading opportunity during the Commonwealth Games.

The chief minister said the government and civic agencies - the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) - are already sprucing up some major markets in capital including Connaught Place and Khan market.

'We are expecting thousands of players, officials, sports lovers and tourists from all parts of the world during the Games. The local stores and traders should get themselves ready for big business and a major trading opportunity,' Dikshit said on the sidelines of a function here.

According to Dikshit, during any sporting event sales surge in the host country.

'The domestic sales sentiment is also expected to get a boost during the Games especially for high-street clothing, homeware and electrical goods,' she said.