High prices dampen Eid shopping spree

With just eight days to Eidul Fitr, Pindi's markets are crowded but sales remain slow

RAWALPINDI:

Despite only eight days remaining until Eidul Fitr, the anticipated surge in festive shopping has yet to fully materialise across the city's major commercial centres and shopping malls.

While families flock to markets in large numbers after iftar, traders say the crowds are largely made up of window-shoppers rather than active buyers. Shopkeepers are now pinning their hopes on March 16, when government and private sector employees are expected to receive their salaries, which they believe will trigger a peak in Eid shopping.

Owing to record increases in prices, many middle-class consumers have shifted away from large shopping malls and major commercial outlets. Instead, they are turning to traditional markets such as Raja Bazaar, Jamia Masjid Road, Moti Bazaar, Bohar Bazaar, Trunk Bazaar and Talwaran Bazaar to purchase fabric pieces, colourful ready-made garments and other Eid attire.

Similarly, rather than buying from major shoe outlets and large footwear markets, many shoppers are opting for roadside stalls and small Pathan-run shoe shops.

These ready-made garments and shoes for both children and adults are reportedly up to 50 per cent cheaper than those available in major shopping centres. Although the quality may be comparatively lower, their attractive designs and appearance often appeal immediately to children and their parents.

In these markets, ready-made suits are available for Rs1,500 to Rs2,500, while shoes range from Rs1,200 to Rs2,200. By contrast, in large shopping malls and branded outlets, children's, women's and men's suits are priced between Rs5,000 and Rs12,000, while footwear ranges from Rs3,000 to Rs10,000.

With only eight days left before Eid, shops in major commercial areas - including Commercial Market, Bara Market, Saddar and Gakkhar Plaza - typically open between 10am and 11am. However, traders report that customer footfall remains minimal from opening hours until iftar. Although the markets become extremely crowded after iftar, many visitors leave without making purchases, often falling silent after hearing the prices of garments and shoes.