Despite continuous rising inflation Eid shopping spree has started gaining momentum, as people with their families are being observed visiting markets and shopping plazas. The shops, selling cosmetics, jewellery, bangles and colourful dresses are being attractive place for women. According to an estimate in Karachi even low-income group, spends nothing less than Rs 1000 per person in the family on Eid shopping.
Although no authentic estimate of pace of business during Ramazan is available, however, according to business community Ramazan and Eid shopping generate as mush as Rs 80 billion businesses. The household spending touches its peak during Ramazan, they pointed out. Shopkeepers sit idle during the early hours of the day waiting for buyers, however, after Magrib prayers people with family start coming out for Eid shopping.
The shopkeeper said that the buyers visit shop to shop to get desired items on low prices. A shopkeeper said buyers are now even ready to compromise on the quality of cloth. The price of a good quality dress has been increased almost 70 to 80 per cent as compared to last year's prices, as minimum price of a good quality dress lies Rs 1,200.
Holding responsible government for the price hike they said that government has increased oil price, gas tariff, power tariff and other items, which ultimately have multiple effects on prices of end products. Shopkeeper claimed that frequent power outage is causing huge losses of small traders during the peak season of Eid shopping. Those who have generators can manage their business in a better way, while small shopkeepers can not afford generators.