Eid shopping gains momentum in Faisalabad

FAISALABAD: The month of Ramazan culminates in Eidul Fitr, one of the biggest religious festivals in Islam. With a little over two days till its arrival, shopping has gained momentum and people of all age groups, particularly women and children are seen busy shopping in bazaars and malls.

These preparations will typically reach a crescendo on ‘Chand Raat’. Throughout Faisalabad, stalls have sprung up, selling cosmetics, earrings, clothes, bangles and mehndi. A lot of these bazaars have been decorated with festive lights.



There are a large number of such stalls in the city, particularly in markets, including Anarkali, Satina Roads, Sardar Bazaar Ghulam Muhammadabad, bazaars in Monsarabad,  D-Ground, Faisalabad-Jaranwala Shopping Centers, Soossa Roads, etc.

The shopkeepers in these areas say they expect this shopping frenzy to increase even further on the last day.



Despite dominating price factor, people of all classes and age groups are thronging markets for Eid shopping. Prices of bangles and henna have gone up to almost 100%. Similarly, female sandals are available in the range of Rs1,500 to Rs4,000  while  children’s shoes are being sold at Rs1,000 to Rs1,500. However, the price hike could not deter enthusiast shoppers. Almost all markets, big or small, are crowded with people.

This year, the variety of readymade clothes for boys is far less than that of girls and also more expensive. Locally made shirts and trousers are carrying the tag of ‘Made in China, Thailand and Korea’.



Young boys have set up makeshift stalls in shopping centres and could be seen selling different items on comparatively cheaper rates.

A youngster told The Express Tribune, “People belonging to the upper middle class can go to any shopping centre in the city, but lower middle class has no option but to look for cheaper stuff at roadside stalls.”



However, majority of the people complained that traders and shopkeepers were taking advantage of the situation and selling inferior quality products on exorbitant rates.

A great rush has been witnessed in Anarkali Bazaar and Jhal Market as the clothes and other items are available on cheaper rates as compared to other shopping centres in the city.

While speaking to The Express Tribune, a shopkeeper in Jhal Market, Muhammad Hanif said, “We are selling items at an affordable price.” He added, “However, the people are least bothered by inflation. They are purchasing whatever they like irrespective of the prices.”

Asif Ali, a shopper and an employee of a local University, told The Express Tribune, “I am a government servant and I could not afford money to buy expensive clothes for my eight children.” He maintained, “I am buying readymade garments for them from a store in Jaranwala Plaza which is selling them at reasonable rates.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 24^th, 2017.