As Eid nears, all the Bazaar streets are clogged with buyers. The influx of customers is so high that the shops are often opened until Sehri just to accommodate everyone. However, not everyone is showing a lot of interest in unstitched clothing due to the high tailoring cost.
Although the Bazaars buzz, very little or sluggish sales are witnessed this time. Traders said that their sales have plummeted even below those of coronavirus-hit days.
Why Are People Returning Empty Handed?
According to many shopkeepers, the shopping activity this Eid season is not the same as before. Why? Well as per the statistics, the slow sales are due to high inflation and the limited purchasing power of the general public. Local traders also attribute the decline in fabric sales to the devaluation of the rupee. This has made imported fabrics more expensive for the general public to buy. With the increasing prices on oil, gas and electricity, all the other commodities are being compromised. This includes garment, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics and everything else festive-based.
Eid is usually the most inclusive holiday celebration in the country during which friends and families get together in their new attire and exchange gifts but the current political turmoil has dampened the festive spirit of Eid.
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Tailors Demanding More
The tailors across the city have also increased the rates of stitching of a single suit from Rs1,500 to Rs1,700. This, in addition to the already high inflation cost, has resulted in soaring prices. As a result, more consumers are now opting for ready-made garments over tailored suits. Even those who still prefer unstitched fabric are purchasing in smaller quantities, leading to a decline in foot traffic in traditional fabric markets.
Clearly, the high tailoring price is effecting the locals. They are complaining that an unstitched suit costs them between Rs2,500 and Rs3,000. This in addition to the Rs1,500 stitching charges, brings a total cost of Rs.4,000 – 4,500.
In comparison, the branded ready-made suits are still costing them the same price of Rs4,000 – 5,000 and the non branded ones are even cheaper and range from Rs.2,000 -2,500. Hence, purchasing stitched clothes is much more economical to the general public instead of bearing the high cost of tailoring.
Difference in Prices from the Last Year
Currently, cotton fabric suits in the markets range between Rs2,000 and Rs2,500 in total. On the other hand, wash-and-wear fabrics range from Rs2,000 to Rs3,500, depending on quality. Compared to last year, fabric prices have surged by Rs100-150 per meter, making a standard six-meter suit costlier by Rs600-900.
Sales Increasing Before Chand Raat
In the last days of Ramadan, the best Eid sales are witnessed. However, this time the situation is a lot different. The country is in the midst of a crippling economic crisis and the decade old inflation is influencing customer spending on a mass level.
This time the retail buyers are sparse, and those who are venturing out are purchasing less than they traditionally would. Will Chand Raat change anything about this? Chances seem low but only Chand Raat will tell this now.
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