Bright, colourful lights adorn city markets and stalls which offer a wide array of merchandise. Many of those on the prowl for a bargain are drawn in by the tantalising scent of street food. Meanwhile, shopping malls, outlets and retail shops are offering discounts in order to attract a maximum number of people.
The main objective of each person visiting the markets after iftar is to buy new shoes and clothes for Eidul Fitr. In addition, women and young girls are also searching high and low for matching accessories and cosmetics which are displayed in front of shops and on makeshift stalls.
Peshawari and Balochi footwear trending this Eid
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Muhammad Ali, the owner of a stall, said trading activities have started gaining momentum in the city over the past couple of days despite the fact that the rising rate of inflation has harmed purchasing power and affected businesses overall.
“Crowds of people can be seen in city markets with each passing day. It is expected to be at its peak at chaand raat, when last-minute shoppers will throng markets,” he stated.
Citizens from the provincial capital and from adjoining areas and cities are flocking to city markets and shopping malls to purchase their Eid necessities, he highlighted.
The manager of a local fashion outlet, Hafiz Imran, revealed that his company has launched a new line of clothes which feature a variety of different cuts, patterns and fabrics for Eid. “We tried to cater to a large number of people in terms of pricing and range,” he said.
Muhammad Rashid, a local, said that he was on the hunt for Eid clothes for his son. He managed to find what he was looking for at Karim Block Market. “I bought a shirt for my son in Rs300, a feat that would not have been possible at any other market in the city,” he said, proudly showing of the blue coloured fabric in a plastic shopping bag.
Citizen Faizan Bashir said that Eidul Fitr is one of the biggest religious festivals for Muslims, which is why everyone tries to shop ahead of the occasion.
“I am waiting outside this shop while my wife tries on endless pairs of shoes to find the one pair which matches her clothes,” he said. I have already sorted out my outfit and am merely fulfilling my familial duty, he explained with a smile on his face.
Two young sisters, Nadia and Khadija, were of the opinion that after iftar is the best possible time for shopping. While there may be a lot of people in the markets during this time, it is still better than having to complete your Eid checklist under the harsh sun, they said.
The sisters, who were on the hunt for bangles are earrings, said that they had visited nearly a dozen kiosks and stalls but were still unable to make up their mind. Everything just looks so pretty and unique in its own way, they exclaimed.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2019.
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