Hitting the town: Markets abuzz with shoppers ahead of Eid

Traders say sales will probably go up during the last 10 days of Ramazan


Imran Adnan June 14, 2017
Customers say prices have doubled over the last two weeks. PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK

LAHORE: As Eidul-Fitr draws nearer, markets are abuzz with people wanting to get their shopping done for the big occasion. Thousands are heading to commercials areas after Iftar and the rush continues all the way through till Sehri.

Ahmad Raza, who was shopping with his family, said, “the buying gains momentum after mid-Ramazan. The busy shopping malls and traffic congestion clearly indicate that the biggest Muslim festival is approaching fast.” He adds that though it is difficult to find the right things during the holy month, he enjoys shopping with his family.

Another woman says she is extremely fond of Eid shopping. “Most of my children have shopped online, but I still prefer looking at the things before buying them.”

Various citizens complained that the prices of ladies and children clothes are up by 60% as compared to last year. A market survey shows the prices of popular clothes for boys/men range between Rs3,000 and 4,000 per suit, while ladies and girls’ fancy dresses are available at prices between Rs5,000 and Rs8,000 per suit.

Traders and businessmen, however, point out that the rush at markets doesn’t mean that sales have increased. They add the numbers are likely to go up in the last 10 days of Ramazan.

A shopkeeper, Muhammad Hussain, said it is the middle of the month and salaried classes have already spent their earnings on shopping. “Most government and private sector employees get advanced salary and bonuses a few days ahead of Eidul Fitr.” This will also boost sales and businesses activity in markets.

A trader, Muhammad Hanif, says online shopping and rapid growth of ecommerce websites have drawn many of their customers. “It is very convenient as you save a lot of time and avoid traffic or congestion in shopping centres. It is also easy for the stores or shops as they have very little or no overheads to maintain online portals as compared to retail shops. You see most ecommerce websites in Pakistan are giving better Eid offers,” he pointed out.

Due to the rush in city markets, severe traffic jams are witnessed at and around commercial areas. These include Liberty Market, MM Alam Road, Wapda Town, PIA Road, Model Town Link Road, Kareem Block Market, Moon Market, Anarkali, Ichra, Mall Road, Baghbanpura Main Bazar, Daharampura, Al-Madina Road Township and the Walled City.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 14th, 2017.

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