One of its kind: Rawal shopping festival begins

RCCI has arranged lucky draws to attract customers

RAWALPINDI: The Rawal shopping festival kicked off under the aegis of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) in all major markets of the city including shopping plazas and centres located in Rawalpindi cantonment areas.

RCCI President Asad Mashadi formally inaugurated the festival late Saturday evening at Bank Road Saddar, a hub of major brand outlets and shops.

RCCI claims that shopping malls and business centres are offering sizeable discount rates up to 50 per cent on sale of various commodities to their customers which will continue till May 10.

“It is the chamber’s initiative to give momentum to business activity in the town by attracting maximum number of customers by offering discounted sale prices,” RCCI said in a statment.

A large number of businessmen and traders besides MNA Abrar Malik, Cantonment board’s executive officer, leaders of all trade associations including Sheikh Saddique, Shahid Ghafoor Paracha, Sheikh Hafeez, Chaudhry Iqbal, Zafar Qadri, Tariq Jadoon, former presidents Sheikh Shabbir, Sohail Altaf, and S M Naseem were also present at the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Mashadi said traders were offering sales up to 50 per cent to attract customers to the market adding that through lucky draws, prizes like cars, bikes, laptops, electronic goods and mobiles will be given to customers. The mega draw will be held on May 10 while two other two lucky draws will be held during the festival in China Market and Commercial Market on May 5 and May 8 respectively.

Earlier, An RCCI delegation headed by the president visited various markets in different parts of the town and was welcomed by THE respective presidents of the trade associations who apprised them about various steps being taken to attract maximum number of buyers.

RCCI announced that the nine-day activity would also include live musical events, pet shows, vintage car show, and range of other activities.

The business community has welcomed the move saying it will give a boost to the local economy which has been suffering due to the ongoing construction in the area.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 4^th, 2015.