ISLAMABAD: As the Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, like other parts of the country, have witnessed a hike in number of visitors who are taking advantage of the ongoing ‘Eid discount offers by prominent retailers.
After Iftar time, shoppers throng markets and malls to buy new clothes, shoes, cosmetics and other items, with people belonging to all age groups – particularly, women and children – seen busy in Eid shopping.
The sale of essential food items for Ramazan has also surged to twice as compared to the rest of the months, the sales manager of a leading superstore told media.
A colourful variety of stalls can be seen in markets across the twin cities with earrings, glittering bangles, embroidered clothes, and jewellery on display.
Several Eid shoppers also complained of overpricing, especially of women and kids items.
Low-income segments go for roadside stalls
The low-income citizens mostly prefer visiting roadside stalls because they offer cheaper products than major shopping malls and markets.
Seasonal street vendors of clothes, footwear, cosmetics, and other goods are also making brisk sales as their products are generally purchased by low-income people, a citizen remarked.
In particular, women are seen busy in buying new and uniquely designed clothes to wear on the upcoming occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, said a retailer.
The rush of customers starts at evening and continues till the closing of shops, he added.
The Eid shopping is set to continue till ‘Chand Raat’, said another shopkeeper. — APP
