Markets across city-centre areas of the summer capital on Sunday were abuzz with shoppers after two days of shutdown.
In run up to the Eid, people in large numbers were seenmaking purchases. The huge rush caused traffic jams at several placesespecially in the afternoon and evening hours. The weekly ‘Sunday market’ fromTRC Junction to Hari Singh High Street was thronged by shoppers to purchaseclothes, accessories, kids wear, home decoration and utensils displayed byvendors.
Chief spokesperson, Kashmir Economic Alliance Farhan Kitabsaid the city centre markets remained open on Sunday in view of huge rush ofshoppers making purchases for upcoming Eid-ul-fitr.
“Sales have started picking up as people are makingpurchases. Women shoppers are more in numbers. Children’s products as usual arein demand,” Kitab said. “Most people are making limited purchases and notspending lavishly,” Kitab added.
Purchase of home furnishing and home decoration productsahead of forthcoming Eid is also a common sight. “Products such as dry fruitbowls, paintings, wall art, flower vases are among the popular goods,” said avendor Farooq Ahmad.
Ahead of Eid, furnishing shops are also witnessingconsiderable footfalls. “Since there is a drop in sales during Ramadhan, a boomin purchase of home furnishing is witnessed just ahead of Eid every year,” saidowner of a furnishing showroom.
Meanwhile, the most popular selling products ahead of Eidare mobile phones, especially touch screen smart phones. Despite an increase intheir taxes, sales of electronic devices has also picked up. “Packaged dryfruits available at super markets are finding many takers. With rise intemperatures, many are opting to stock up their refrigerators with juices andice-creams,” said a trader. Many shopkeepers are offering freebies such asgifts to attract maximum customers to their shops, he said.
Meanwhile, many shoppers also complained of overpricing,especially that of food items. However, officials of Consumer Affairs PublicDistribution said they were doing frequent market checking in order to preventprofiteering.