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Reduced buying worries shopkeepers

* Shopkeepers say most people are only window-shopping
* Stall owner says artificial jewellery popular because of high gold prices

LAHORE: With Eidul Fitr just around the corner, the number of people visiting markets has increased considerably, but is still much less than the usual rush seen for Eid shopping during the past few years.

A visit to different markets including Ichhra, Sandha, Anarkali, Gulberg Main Market, Liberty, Shadman, Barkat Market, Shalimar, and Main Bazaar on Ferozepur Road revealed that these markets had started attracting rush over the past few days. Shopkeepers who were complaining about a decreased turn out of customers last week seemed to be satisfied as customers thronged the markets, reviving hopes of increased earnings on Eid.

A shopkeeper in Ichhra said, “We had apprehensions that sales this year would be much less, as compared to previous years due to the smaller number of customers coming to markets.”s

He added: “However, during the last few days the number of people coming to shops has increased.”

Window-shoppers: Another shopkeeper said that most people visiting the bazaars were window-shoppers. He said: “People are returning home without buying any thing due to the high prices,” adding that shopkeepers in posh areas were doing comparatively better because of the higher purchasing power of residents of those areas. “We realise that inflation has considerably reduced the purchasing power of people. It is because of this reason that this year most shopkeepers are charging normal rates instead of special Eid rates,” he added.

A female shopper at Main Bazaar, Ferozepur Road said: “The price-hike has considerably affected the middle class, especially salaried people and purchasing new apparel and footwear for the whole family is almost impossible,” adding, “My husband is a teacher and we live in a rented house. I had purchased clothes for the children and asked them to make do with old shoes but they refused and I have come to purchase new ones for them. I would definitely buy cheaper shoes from a stall as I cannot afford good quality shoes.”

An owner of a stall selling artificial jewellery said that with the rise in gold prices, artificial jewellery was already in great demand and Eid has further fuelled its sale.

However, he said: “The rates are the same as before the Eid rush”.

Some buyers, while talking to news agencies, complained of the price-hike and said that there should be a check on the prices, adding that shopkeepers had not displayed price lists. app

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