As the holy month of Ramazan slowly creeps towards its end, flocks of eager customers are heading towards markets for Eid shopping while the shopkeeper increased prices of readymade garments, artificial jewellery, bangles, cosmetics etc to gain more profit. Though the Eid shopping remained low during the first two weeks of Ramazan this year, it started picking up impetus as most of the shopping centres remained open for the entire night.
Great rush of people was witnessed in the Saddar, Samama markets and in the shopping plazas on the University Road. Despite sky-rocketing prices, children and women are seen eager to select unique designs of clothes to wear on the day of Eid. A large number of people start moving towards shopping centres soon after Iftar and evening prayers while the buying spree is likely to continue till the last day of the holy month.
Prices of ladies cotton Kurta Shalwar which was tagged at Rs 1,500 about 15 days ago now tagged Rs 1,700 at Samama market. The shopkeepers offering discount up to 50 percent at the advent of Ramazan also removed the offer displayed cards from the shops. Ahead of Eid, most of the footpaths in the main markets at KDA Gulshan, Saddar, Hyderi and Nazimabad were occupied by small traders and hawkers who are selling readymade garments, shoes and cosmetics. The survey further shows that shopkeepers are selling readymade Shalwar Kameez for man at Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000 each of average quality; and a shirt and a pair of trouser for Rs 3,000, while an imported children's dress is available for Rs 3,200-5,000 and above. However, store owners complained that they were still not making good business.