Glimmers of Activity in Eid Bazaars Amid Inflation

Muhammad Atif Ismail 

Multan: As the joyous occasion of Eid approaches, the bazaars that once brimmed with festive fervor now present a deserted look, especially during the day  due to the tight grip of inflation; however, some families could be witnessed after the sun set.

Amidst the vibrant displays of colorful fabrics, glimmering jewelry, and shining shoes, middle-class citizens with diminishing purchasing power are found engaged in minor-level shopping at some popular bazaars and markets, including Gardezi, Gulshan, Hussain Agahi, and Cantt markets, but a reasonable number returned without shopping.

Similarly, many customers were being observed purchasing clothes, shoes, toys, and jewelry for their kids while sacrificing their own requirements, said Sunny, a shopkeeper in Gardezi Market. He, however, remarked that over 90 percent of customers were voicing concerns about inflation. He added that the customers from rural areas were absent compared to the previous year’s visit to the bazaars.

In a clear reflection of the prevailing economic woes, Arshid Sasi, a cloth merchant, also shared his perspective on the inflationary scenario. Arshid, with a furrowed brow, lamented and stated, “Inflation has caused a severe blow to the business. 

The prices of fabrics have skyrocketed, making it increasingly challenging for customers to afford even the most basic attire for Eid festivities. 

He, however, stated that parents preferred to purchase clothes for their kids. He estimated a 30 percent decrease in the number of customers at his shop. Suhaib Khan, the owner of a shoe shop, also hinted that the situation was equally dire for shoe retailers.

With the cost of raw materials soaring, we are compelled to pass on the burden to customers, further dampening their spirits. The volume of sales has plummeted, reflecting the grim reality of shrinking incomes, he stated. Saqib Noori, a shopkeeper in Town Wajhianwala of district Khanewal, also highlighted a concerning trend, which is a remarkable decrease in the number of customers visiting his shop, amounting to nearly 40 percent compared to previous years.

He observed that customer response was better during the marriage season before Ramadan. He remarked that a substantial portion of his clientele hails from rural areas with an agricultural background.

He, however, expressed optimism and pointed out that April was the month of wheat crop harvesting, and it was a crucial time for rural communities heavily reliant on agricultural yields. Anticipating an influx of customers following the emergence of crops in markets, he pinned high hopes on a potential surge in sales at his shop.

About Eid shopping trends, Noori also revealed a dilemma: customers wanted to purchase clothes on deferred payments until May. 

“Unfortunately, I am unable to cater to their demands due to resource constraints, ” he stated. Despite the prevailing adversity, citizens like Riaz Lodhi, Batool Bibi, Usman Alvi, Farqan, Amjid Sulaiman, and some others, driven by unwavering parental love, prioritize their children’s happiness above all else.

Batool Bibi stood as a beacon of sacrifice and ignored her own shopping due to financial constraints. She, however, stated that she had almost new clothes and shoes that she had worn on the occasion of the marriage ceremony.

Usman, a laborer at Gulshan Market, with his paternal affection, remarked, “Though times are tough, I couldn’t bear to disappoint my children on Eid. I made sure to purchase the finest clothes and accessories for them, even if it meant cutting back on my own expenditures.”

Sakeena Bibi, a poor woman from Vehari, also echoes similar sentiments, stating, “As a parent, seeing the joy on my children’s faces is priceless. Despite the financial strain, I couldn’t resist indulging them with gifts to celebrate the occasion.”

Parveen Bibi, a maid, with a tender smile, adds, “Eid is a time of joy and togetherness, especially for children. I spared no expense in ensuring my kids have everything they desire, despite the hardships I myself face.” However, at the city’s top shopping malls, the gathering of customers is as per the routines of the Eid festival.

Huge numbers of families, mostly hailing from the elite class, are doing handsome shopping. The sale at various brands is satisfactory, said Niaz, Waleed, and Tauseeq, the assistants at different outlets.

The feature story was released by APP.