Traders attribute Rangers untiring clampdown on outlaws to stem violence and unrest in the metropolis resultantly trigged Eid sales to a decade high to Rs 70 billion. Public continued to throng with families till late night before Eidul Fitr dawned as fears of spontaneous violence, snatchings, extortion and target killings were widely dashed by the Rangers efforts to bring the outlaws down.
"The city's social life gave a big boost to its trade after at least 10 years of bloodshed and disorder that killed thousands and ravaged the country's ailing economy," traders said, attributing the booming businesses to the Rangers efforts for restoring peace.
They said that the public visits to make Eid shopping till late night during the last 10 days of Holy Ramazan was a manifestation of peace again perpetuating in the city. The markets continued to sales ahead of Eid without any fears and that was also a reason for the public overwhelming participation that helped the businesses attain its growth, they added.
"It was really a fun for children, women and youth to go for shopping together with their families after decade of killings and disorder," Chairman All Karachi Tajir Ittehad, Muhammad Atiq Mir said, adding that "Eid trade boomed to a decade high with restoring peace in the city". He said that the Eid sales had shot up to Rs 70 billion against the traders investment of Rs 90 billion, showing a 'positive' sign to the overall national economy. "Over 250 Eid shopping centres were set up from almost first Ramazan in more than 25 areas of the city providing nearly all needed products to the customers," he added.
Clifton, Defence, Bahadurabad, Tariq Road, Saddar, Allahwala Market, Jama Cloth Market, Jubilee Cloth Market, Mothan Das Market, Gul Plaza, Haideri Market and such other shopping centres remained open to entertain customers for Eid shopping till late night, he said.
He termed the night shopping a 'traditional' trend of the city, which had been widely missing for the last 10 years with a much lower public purchasing owing to the violence, was now seen with an overwhelming rush. "Around 80 percent purchase was mainly made by women, children and youth," he said. People mainly chose to shop readymade garments, shoes, embroidery and design cloths, hosiery, glass bracelets, artificial jewellery, cosmetic items, home decoration products, handmade carpets, ladies accessories, children toys and other such things, he pointed out.
"People with lower financial affordability made purchase between Rs 500 and 5000 per head while rich between Rs 50, 000 and Rs 100, 000 per head, Atiq Mir estimated, saying that more sales would follow shortly once marriages season in the city started. He said the public rush in markets was beyond expectation this year with resurrecting peace and stability.