Footfall on shoe shops not in step with Eid fever

Price increase, affordable alternatives keep consumers at bay

KARACHI:

The humdrum in markets and bazaars across the city continue to pick up as it gets closer to Eid ul Fitr, the annual celebration at the end of the holy month of Ramazan. It reaches fever pitch in the days leading to Eid but there is a clear surge in buys and footfall particularly during the second half.

It has been the case at the popular market for women's shoes and clothes in the past. But not this year as historic inflation cuts into purchasing power. Import curbs and increase in raw material prices have also had an impact, with an average of 40 per cent increase in prices compared to last year.

Muhammad Hussam, who works at a popular shoe store in the area says its also because sellers are unable to provide discount deals and hard-pressed shoppers have an easier alternative in makeshift stalls that pop up during such festive periods and sell shoes and sandals at a discount.

He says women the love the colorful sandals with sophisticated designs that are available at their outlet. But this year, it hasn't translated into sales.

There is one sale or another throughout the year, says Hussam, while an Eid-specific sale is also offered due to which shoes are available at a 30 per cent discount.

However, last year they were selling two pairs of shoes for Rs1800 as part of a bundle offer. This year, there is no such sale and one pair is being sold for Rs1,150.

He said they didn't have a problem with supply with 70 per cent of their products manufactured at their own factory while the remaining 30 per cent is provided by their Lahore branch.

The shoes range in style, from party to normal flats, bridal wear, heels, and stilettoes, but "the most popular style at our store is sandals", he added. "Most women prefer simple sandals instead of more flashy and colorful shoes. Unique designs are available at reasonable prices through Eid offers," he added.

A large number of markets offering a variety of shoes have been thriving in different parts of the city. The one in Hyderi is very popular, there are markets over Tariq Road in Saddar, at Jama Cloth Market, in Karimabad, and the Gulf Shopping Mall in Clifton among others.

Mohammad Abdullah, who runs a popular shoe brand's branch in North Nazimabad, says women are mostly buying party wear sandals. They can range from anywhere between Rs1800 to Rs5000.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 11^th, 2023.