Eid shopping picks up despite harsh weather

Makeshift stalls selling glass bangles and henna dominate every corner


Our Correspondent June 13, 2018
PHOTO: FILE

LAHORE: Eid shopping has gained momentum despite harsh weather in the provincial capital.

All the markets and shopping malls have been decked out in colourful lights, while makeshift stalls selling glass bangles and henna dominates every corner.

The harsh weather has only served to deter citizens from shopping during the daytime. After Iftar, people flood markets on shopping sprees that will last until chaand raat.

“Eid is probably the biggest national and religious festival in Pakistan, where everybody buys new clothes and shoes for their families,” said shopper Faizan Qureshi.

Countless stalls set up in Liberty Market, Anarkali Bazaar, Mall Road, Madina Market and other bazaars, remain open until Sehr due to the mass influx of customers. Some have even trekked all the way from rural areas to the provincial capital in order to partake in the Eid festivities.


PHOTO: ONLINE

Muhammad Almas, a resident of Kasur, told The Express Tribune that he travelled all the way from his hometown in order to buy new clothes for his family. There are many shops on Ferozepur Road, but my wife prefers to buy her shoes from Liberty Market, he added.

Another citizen, Bilal Khan from Khyber Pakhtunkhawa, revealed that he generally wears Peshawari chapals but for Eid he wanted to buy khussas from Taxila bazaar.

“I prefer these shoes because they are well-made. Plus, the prices in the markets are very reasonable especially when you compare it with other markets in the city,” he maintained.

However, despite the fact that many shops and brands are offering discounts and boasting of sales, some citizens are still complaining about inflated prices.

Eid shopping gains momentum

During the last decade, hundreds of garment and shoe stores have opened up in Lahore, said Muhammad Hussain. This has prompted local product manufacturers to increase their prices, he claimed. “People from middle income groups, such as me, cannot afford branded garments. Instead, we buy locally made products that are not only good quality but also easy on the pocket.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 13th, 2018.

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