Low sales, turnout of shoppers: traders show frustration

The momentum of Eid shopping has picked up in the provincial capital a day before the Eid-ul-Fitr, but the traders showed frustration over low sales and turnout of shoppers. In the last days of Ramazan, huge crowd were seen in major markets of Lahore, including Anarkali, Ichra, Krishan Nagar, Fortress Stadium, Panorama, Moon Market and Karim Block Market in Iqbal Town, Naqi Market and Liberty Market.
However, it was observed that most of them spent time on window shopping and only some people were seen with shopping bags in their hands. Also, most of the rush was observed on make-shift stalls that were offering special discount, while there was thin presence of shoppers in shops.
The shopkeepers in all these markets showed frustration over the low turnout of shoppers. They were disappointed with this declining trend of Eid shopping, which in their opinion was the best business time during the year. They complained about drastic decline in their business this year as compared to last year's Eid business.
Ahsan Zulqarnain, a shop owner in Liberty Market, told Business Recorded that there was a low turnout of shoppers this year. He observed that in the past this time of year was the busiest month for traders, but for the last few years the trend of Eid shopping was declining. He blamed high inflation for the decline and added that the people do not have the pocket to buy new clothes for Eid. "I have heard people saying that after meeting the kitchen expense and paying bills, no cash is left for other items," he added.
The story in Panorama Center was not different. Hassan Baig, a shopkeeper, said this year sales were slow. He disclosed that on average his sale was Rs 7,000 in the span of last one week; in comparison a few years ago, when people had money in their pocket, his daily sales crossed Rs 20,000. "In the good days, he used to hire boys to entertain the Eid shoppers, but this year no extra person was required," he added.
Abdullha, a sale boy at Ichra Market, said in the last week of Ramazan momentum has picked up of Eid shopping, but it is nothing like in the past. "Shoppers are only interested in items that were sold on promotional price," he added Ghulam Nabi, a vendor selling drinks at Liberty Market, was amazed at the turnout of shoppers. He said only a day is left in Eid and the market looks dead. "A few years ago, this time of the holy month, one would see huge crowd and shops crowded with shoppers. This year, however, the crowd of shoppers is not even half of last year.
The shoppers complained that the prices are too high and beyond their budget. Saad Ahmed, who had come to Krishan Nagar with his family, said the prices of clothes and shoes do not according to his pocket. He complained that very little money is left for Eid shopping after meeting the kitchen expenses; he was saddened by the fact that he cannot give a joyful Eid to his family. "Not in the distance past, I had the budget to buy everything for my family, but now price-hike of everyday goods has forced him to cut down on Eid shopping," he added.
The story of Saad was not different from other shoppers. They all had the same tale to tell. They all complained about shrinking purchasing power, caused by high prices of kitchen items and electricity bills. They lamented the government for their miseries.
However, a huge rush was seen on make-shift stalls selling henna, bangles, low quality clothes and shoes, and lady accessories. All these items were offered on a discount sale price. In the past few years, there has been a mushroom growth of such stalls during the holy month in all markets of Lahore and the shoppers prefer to shop on these stalls since it meets their pocket. Ironically, many shop-owners have also set such stalls outside their shops to boost their sales.