Eid may still be 10 days away, but flocks of eager customers are already descending upon high-end malls in posh areas of Islamabad, while the lower middle class turns towards other shopping points. Unbridled inflation may have severely crippled them, but shoppers were unanimous in saying that Eid meant happiness, and they had every reason to shop.
As customers roam around the markets checking out the latest designs and gift items, retailers gear up for the year’s biggest shopping season. Sales had peaked at both retail and wholesale points, they said.
As Eid nears, night shopping gains momentum with an increasing number of people visiting various markets to buy clothes and other items for the festival. Shops decorated with multi-coloured lights entice people looking for items, ranging from clothes to footwear.
While many people finished their shopping in the early days of Ramadan, there are many who are busy shopping these days and itching to celebrate the festival that brings families together. Citizens – who can afford celebrations – oblivious to inflation and the recent spate of killings in Karachi and several cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have started heading to markets in Blue Area, Super Market (F-6), Jinnah Super and Rana Market (F-7), F-8, F-10, F-11 markaz, Aabpara and Melody Market (G-6), G-7, G-8, Karachi Company (G-9), G-10, G-11 and I-10 markaz to buy necessary items for Eid.
Taking advantage of an increased demand of clothes and accessories for Eid, shopkeepers sell items at inflated rates. Be it clothes for children or elders, bangles, henna or other items, prices of all products have soared considerably. Undeterred by skyrocketing prices, consumers head to bazaars in large numbers.
Talking to Pakistan Today, Kashif Pervaiz, a shopkeeper at Super Market, dispelled the impression that prices of commodities had increased. “Our prices are the same as they were last year,” he said.
Shopkeepers said imported cloth from China had marginalised local products, since it was cheaper and, therefore, preferred by buyers. Profit margin was, however, low, they clarified.
Small traders at G-9 Markaz said even if they did not demand hefty prices, buyers were in the habit of bargaining fiercely, thus reducing the profit margin even further.
HENNA & BANGLES STALLS: Stalls selling jewellery and henna are doing roaring business these days, as these two items are most popular with girls, who throng to these stalls like bees to a hive. Garments, footwear and cosmetics also attract people, while Eid cards are another important attraction for teenagers and children.
Customers complain of rising prices during Ramadan, however, they cannot resist buying gifts for their family members and friends for Eid. They said shopkeepers sold items at exorbitant rates, because they knew people had to buy these items for Eid in any case.
Local retailers have come up with their own stratagem to combat inflation. Hamza, sales manager at a shoe store, said the store had more profitable business this year compared to the last year. “This year we are selling cheaper shoes to compete with the onslaught of Chinese footwear. So far we have received an encouraging response,” he said.
“It is the same each year, traders exploiting the occasion and fleecing people,” said Osama Pervaiz, a citizen.
Sardar Kamran, a young vendor who set up a stall of bangles at G-10 Markaz, said everybody should make the most of festivals such as Eid. “Who says business is not good? When you want something, you get it,” he said. “Eid is an opportunity for all of us to make profits,” he added.
Talha Shakil, a buyer, told Pakistan Today that a pair of shoes which earlier cost Rs 500, was being sold at the same shop for Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500. “After heavy bargaining, it can be purchased for Rs 900,” he added. He said most shopkeepers were discourteous and arrogant towards customers.
Taking advantage of the large crowds of people at bazaars, pickpockets have also swung into action. These crooks are seen waiting for an opportune moment when they can plunge their hands into the pockets of the people and escape with the booty.
