N.H. Zuberi
KARACHI: With less than 15 days to Eid-ul-Fitr, shopping has gained momentum in the city markets. Wide range of dress material, shoes and accessories have flooded the market.
This time, shalwar-kameez, short kameez and ear rings are hit items among the women, who mostly prefer shopping after Iftar.
Garments, shoes, accessories and other Eid items traders have so far done dull business but now on Eid shopping may bring for them a fair share of their annual turnover and profit.
Some of the shopkeepers offer Eid discount on sale of garments and cloths to attract more customers.
The prices of readymade garments have gone up by over 30% this year and the traders attribute it mainly to rising cost of manufacturing.
“Last year, I bought a dress for Rs 9000 but this year, it cost me Rs.11500,” said a customer.
Tariq Road remains the hot favorite for Eid shopping despite the fact that many shopping malls have been built in many parts of Karachi.
Almost all the families buy new clothes, footwear and bangles for the occasion. What makes these markets so special is the fact that they cater to all sections of society. The Eid shopping is the climax of unprecedented month-long economic activity.
The main shopping centers are already glittering with shalwar -kameez sets for women, and Kameez pajama sets for men.
However, there will still be demand for the traditional short kameez. Besides, short kameez go with jeans or cotton trousers too,” pointed out shopkeepers.
The city also experienced severe traffic gridlock as city dwellers as well as people from adjoining places came out for shopping also hours before Iftar.
The women and children in particular were found very busy in buying Eid items including ready-made dresses, shoes, and cosmetics from posh shopping arcades on one hand and wayside shops on the other.
Many Eid shoppers alleged that the traders were engaged in making quick money by raising the prices of Eid items exorbitantly taking advantage of big crowds with barely two weeks left for the Eid festival.
The middle-income group people and students of college and universities crowded at Supper Marker. Talking to this correspondent some buyers said they found reasonable price for items on sale at the market.
On the other hand, the low-income group people were shopping from the wayside shops.
However, for shopkeepers business is yet to pick up the pace. They say that with the cost of production rising, garment stores are not doing good business.
