LAHORE: As the joyous occasion of Eid draws near, the bazaars that once alive with festive fervour now wear a deserted look, especially during the day time due to the tight grip of inflation, however, some families could be witnessed after sunset.
Amidst the lively displays of colourful fabrics, glittering jewellery, and gleaming shoes, middle-class individuals with dwindling purchasing power engage in modest shopping at select popular bazaars and markets, including Gardezi, Gulshan, Hussain Agahi, and Cantt markets. Nevertheless, a considerable number return home without making any purchases.
Sunny, a shopkeeper in Gardezi Market, observed that despite the prevalent concerns about inflation, many customers were still purchasing clothes, shoes, toys, and jewelry for their children, often at the expense of their own needs. However, he noted a significant absence of customers from rural areas compared to previous years.
Reflecting on the challenging economic situation, cloth merchant Mr. Arshid Sasi lamented, “Inflation has dealt a severe blow to businesses.” He explained how the soaring prices of fabrics have made it increasingly difficult for customers to afford even the most basic attire for Eid festivities, resulting in a notable decrease in customer footfall at his shop.
Suhaib Khan, a shoe shop owner, echoed similar sentiments, noting the dire situation for shoe retailers due to escalating raw material costs. He expressed how passing on these burdens to customers has further dampened their spirits, resulting in a significant decline in sales volume.
Saqib Noori, a shopkeeper in Town Wajhianwala, district Khanewal, highlighted a concerning trend of a remarkable decrease in customer visits, amounting to nearly 40 percent compared to previous years. He remained optimistic, however, anticipating a surge in sales following the wheat crop harvesting season in April.
Despite the challenges, individuals like Riaz Lodhi, Batool Bibi, Usman Alvi, Farqan, Amjid Sulaiman, and others prioritize their children’s happiness above all else, driven by unwavering parental love. Batool Bibi, for instance, chose to forgo her own shopping due to financial constraints, ensuring her children had new clothes and shoes for Eid.
Meanwhile, at the city’s top shopping malls, the scene remains bustling with customers, predominantly from the elite class, indulging in lavish shopping sprees. Assistants at various outlets reported satisfactory sales, indicating that the Eid shopping tradition is still vibrant within certain segments of society. —APP
