Eid shopping picks up pace despite inflation

Scores flock to markets shopping for Eid presents and clothes, footwear, jewelry

RAWALPINDI:

With Eidul Fitr just around the corner, scores of people, particularly women and children, have started flocking to city markets and malls for Eid shopping.

Despite backbreaking inflation, residents can be seen thronging shopping malls to buy Eid presents and clothes, footwear, jewelry and other items for themselves.

Temporary stalls selling ready-made clothes, bangles, earrings, and cosmetics have also sprung up throughout the city. The markets and bazaars in the city remained abuzz with customers on Saturday night as the buyers resorted to Eid shopping without worrying about the early closure of the shops.

A festive environment in shopping was noticed at the busy markets including Saddar, Lalkurti, Commercial Market, Moti Bazar, Tench Bhatta, Peoples Colony, Raja Bazaar, and various other markets of the town.

Several local and international brands have begun displaying their latest Eid editions of dresses, shoes, and other essential accessories to attract buyers and gain maximum profits.

Shopkeepers have also decorated their shops with colourful lights to attract customers. The shopping frenzy is expected to reach its peak during the next few days.

Families come out for shopping soon after iftar and can be seen buying shoes, cosmetics, ready-made garments, eye-catching simulated jewelry, multi-coloured bangles, and other items for the upcoming festival. Women are busy buying clothes, footwear, cosmetics, henna, bangles, and other items. Large crowds of girls were witnessed on Saturday night at bangles and henna stalls in various areas of the city.

Taking advantage of the shopping rush, some shopkeepers have also started fleecing shoppers.

A bangle seller said the number of customers is gradually increasing and hopefully, it will go further up as Eidul Fitr approaches.

Speaking at a local market, a customer said I have completed shopping for my kids and bought clothes and matching shoes. Hawkers are also making brisk sales of clothes, footwear, cosmetics, and other goods as these products are generally purchased by low-income people ahead of Eid, said another citizen.

Several Eid shoppers also complained of overpricing, especially of women’s and kids’ clothing. They said that only the people with deep pockets could afford to complete their shopping lists as it is difficult to buy everything given high inflation.

“The prevailing price hike is limiting me to be content with buying clothes only for my children,” said Rozina, a visitor to Chotta Bazaar Saddar. Shabana, a visitor to the Commercial Market, said buying bangles and henna was always one of the greatest Eid thrills.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 17^th, 2023.