‘Business is collapsing’

Bangle markets give a near-deserted look.

ISLAMABAD: Eid has always carried special significance for women as it gives them a chance to buy new clothes, shoes and jewelry, particularly bangles. This year, however, the constant increase in inflation and deteriorating law and order situation in the country has kept many away from the markets.

Bangle markets in particular are giving a near-deserted look.

For the past five years, Umair Malik has been setting up his bangle stall in Super Market on every Eid. He brings bangles especially from Hyderabad.

This year, he set up his stall at the same place. But for the past two days, he has hardly earned Rs3,000.

“Last year there was some sale, but this year it is almost nil,” he said. “Due to inflation people are reluctant to spend money on such things.”

Ali Manzoor, another bangle seller, said every year at least five to six stalls of bangles are set up in the market, but this time there were only three.

“My cousins used to set stalls of bangles in various commercial hubs of the twin cities, but this year they did not see much profit in the business,” he added.

Abdul Hashim, a wholesaler in Mughal Saray market in Rawalpindi, said with the increase in inflation the business of selling bangles is almost collapsing.

“As compared to last year, there is a 30-35 percent drop in the business,” he added.

Ajmal Abbassi, a shopkeeper, said he did not set a special corner in his shop for bangles as he had faced a huge loss
last Eid.

“I find it better to sell socks, caps and gloves instead of bangles this Eid,” he added.

In Aabpara Market, located in the heart of the capital, there was not a single
stall of bangles set up during day hours.

“There was a time when Eid was all about cooking, shopping and outing, but this time due to sky rocketing inflation and a sense of insecurity, the occasion has become stressful, said Saba Mukhtar, a house wife who was shopping at Jinnah Super market.

She did not buy any new clothes or bangles for her daughters as she had to spare the money for buying sacrificial animals.

Tahira Abid, a working woman, said the recent floods, the Air Blue plane crash and the recent blast in Karachi had discouraged her from buying new clothes and jewelry.

“I find it better to donate this money to the flood victims,”she added.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 17^th, 2010.