As the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end, preparations for Eid-ul-Fitr peak across the country with markets swarmed by crowds of busy shoppers.
While the festival of Eid is equally important for children, adults, and the elderly, women seem very enthusiastic about the preparations for Eid-ul-Fitr. Their preparations start a long time before Eid.
The shopping for clothes and visits to tailors start from the first ten days of Ramadan, while the purchase of shoes and jewelry is usually done in the last 10 days. Similarly, the purchase of henna and bangles is done on Chand Raat (night before Eid) when markets are most crowded.
Speaking to Express Tribune, women at Lahore's Liberty Bazaar express that prices of clothes, shoes, bangles, and jewelry have increased a lot. “Everything is getting expensive in the market. Nothing is economical.” Exclaimed a shopper. She said that last year she used to buy suits for Rs 2000, which are now priced at Rs 4000. A set of simple bangles was Rs 200 last year while this year its price is Rs 350. Similarly, children's shoes are at least Rs 2000. The women shoppers lamented that due to the price hike they are not able to figure out which thing to buy and which to let go. Another shopper explained “We are trying to complete the children's shopping first because after all Eid is for children. If the children are happy, we will be happy too.”
Meanwhile, local shopkeepers claim that there is a lot of rush in the markets, but sales are low due to inflation. Even though shoppers leave their homes while fasting in the heat with the intention to
buy something, most of the buyers are disappointed and return empty- handed due to high prices.
Talking to The Express Tribune a shopkeeper, in Liberty Market Lahore, said “Petrol and the dollar have become expensive. Because of this, the prices of goods have increased, which is not our fault. We want the customer to buy something at a good price but electricity has become very expensive, and the same is the situation with the rent of the shops. If our expenses increase, where can we meet them? We obviously pass our burden on to the customer.
He further stated “Just as Eid is for you, it a special occasion for us also. We are forced to increase prices as we live in times of inflation. We simply cannot buy things at high costs and sell them at low prices.“
While a celebratory spirit has taken over the city, both shoppers and traders appear upset about the effects of inflation on Eid Shopping.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 13th, 2024.
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