A sharp decline has been witnessed in the sale of Eid cards over the past few years in the city, as now people prefer cheaper and more advanced modes for exchanging greetings. A card seller said majority of the people have now computers and cell phones which are frequently used to exchange greetings within the country and abroad.
Many people now use SMS, MMS, voice message, online chatting sites to exchange Eid greetings as there has been an exponential rise in the cellular phone and internet users in Pakistan in recent years. A fine-quality card cost around Rs 50 or more, a stall-holder said, adding customers were reluctant to pay this much mount for a single card and postal charges, when they have the option to get more attractive cards online for free.
Eid card sellers said the sale of cards has declined to almost negligible level and Eid card stalls present a deserted look as a few customers visit these stalls, and most of them just have a look and walk away. Increase in the prices of Eid cards this year is another factor which is discouraging customers.