Eid Shopping Struggles Amid Inflation & High Costs
- Fahad Bin Khalid
- March 14, 2025
- 1:23 pm
- 56
- Food & Lifestyle
Bazaars Are Crowded, But Sales Are Low
Eid shopping struggles continue as inflation and high tailoring costs make it hard for many to afford festive clothing. Bazaars are packed with people, but sales remain low. Many shops stay open until Sehri to accommodate shoppers, yet most leave without making purchases.
Traders report that sales are even lower than during the pandemic. High prices and reduced purchasing power are forcing people to rethink their spending habits.
Why Are People Struggling to Shop?
Many shopkeepers say that shopping activity this year is not the same as before. The biggest reasons are high inflation and the weakening rupee. The rising cost of imported fabrics has made traditional unstitched clothing too expensive.
Other daily expenses like electricity, gas, and fuel have also increased. This has forced many people to cut back on festive spending. Even essential Eid purchases like shoes, jewelry, and cosmetics have become difficult to afford.
Eid is a time for celebration, new clothes, and gifts. However, political and economic instability has dampened the festive spirit. Many families are struggling to balance their budgets, making shopping a stressful experience rather than a joyful one.
Tailoring Costs Are Too High
Tailors have also increased their stitching charges. The cost of stitching a single suit has risen from Rs1,500 to Rs1,700. This, combined with the rising prices of fabric, has made tailored clothing unaffordable for many.
More people are now choosing ready-made clothes instead of stitched outfits. Even those who prefer unstitched fabric are buying fewer suits than usual.
Locals say an unstitched suit costs between Rs2,500 and Rs3,000. Adding tailoring charges makes the total cost Rs4,000 to Rs4,500. In comparison, branded ready-made suits cost Rs4,000 to Rs5,000, while non-branded options are available for Rs2,000 to Rs2,500. This has made ready-made clothing a better option for many shoppers.
Fabric Prices Keep Rising
The cost of cotton fabric suits now ranges from Rs2,000 to Rs2,500. Wash-and-wear fabrics cost between Rs2,000 and Rs3,500, depending on quality. Compared to last year, fabric prices have increased by Rs100-150 per meter. This means a standard six-meter suit now costs Rs600-900 more than before.
Will Chand Raat Boost Sales?
The days before Eid, especially Chand Raat, usually bring the highest sales. However, Eid shopping struggles this year suggest things might be different.
The economic crisis and decade-high inflation have significantly reduced consumer spending. Fewer people are shopping, and those who are buying less than usual.
Will Chand Raat bring a last-minute shopping rush? The chances seem low, but only time will tell.
