Srinagar, Oct 25: Kashmir is witnessing a new shopping trend since sometime now: Valley’s working women are gradually outnumbering men when it comes to shopping on festivities.
 According to observers the working women who are self-reliant do most of the shopping on festive occasions, as compared to non-working women in Kashmir.
 “What is the fun of working of hard to earn when you don’t spend particularly on an occasion like Eid,” said Hamida, a government employee, who was purchasing clothes for her kids at busy Poloview Lane, here.
 Hamida’s spouse is businessman. “He does not find time from his pressing engagements and most of the times I do shopping for the kids and also for him,” she said.
 Huma, an employee, said: “I have taken leave from my office to shop at Lal Chowk. Shopping before Eid has become my passion. I purchase apparels and new items that come in the market.”
 Insha, a beautician, said: "I've bought lots of gifts like clothes and jewelry for my friends but I tend to be careful about spending. Being self-reliable does not mean to spend lavishly," she said, adding that she preferred to be cautious while shopping. “In any case I don’t exceed my budget.”
 Many female shoppers prefer shopping in arcades and malls, many of which have come up in the city in just two or three years.
 "Shopping in malls is a good experience. I do shopping in malls and enjoy tea or coffee there,” a working lady said.
 Shopkeepers acknowledge that shopping trend in Kashmir has witnessed a change over past sometime. "The number of women customers has increased over past some time. Working women find it easy to spend on themselves and their families,” said Muhammad Maqbool, a shop owner at Lal Chowk.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 25 Oct 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 25 Oct 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:00 IST