Christmas, winter-related sales seen touching Rs20bn

Christmas, winter-related sales seen touching Rs20bn

KARACHI: Shopkeepers estimate nationwide sales to reach nearly Rs20 billion as shopping spree ahead of Christmas and New Year coupled with winter buying goes in full swing.

“We expect a sales volume of Rs8bn in Karachi and Rs4bn in Lahore for readymade garments of children, sweaters, gents and ladies’ shoes, gift items, bangles, artificial jewellery and decoration,” All-Karachi Tajir Ittehad (AKTI) chairman Atiq Mir said. Demand for cakes also goes up phenomenally, especially one day before Christmas and on the eve of New Year, he added.

Secretary General of All Pakistan Anjuman-i-Tajiran Abdul Razzak Babar told Dawn that sales of various items in some famous markets of Lahore, such as Anarkali, Mall Road, Ichhra area, Liberty Market and Township, have risen 20 per cent to 25pc in the last one week as Christians prepare to celebrate the festival.

However, not everyone is happy. Anjuman-i-Tajiran Rawalpindi central chairman Sharjeel Mir said sales related to winter, Christmas and New Year have almost halved compared to the last year due to rising cost of living. “Rawalpindi does not have any industries and nor is it an agricultural economy. Most of the people belong to the salaried class and their purchasing power is dwindling due to increase in utility bills and other expenditure,” he lamented.

In Karachi, president of Bohri Bazaar and Mochi Gali (Saddar), Mansoor Jack, said the number of buyers has jumped 60pc to 70pc as many Christians live nearby.

Chairman of Allawala Market Association Mohammad Asif said Jama Cloth and Allawala Market have witnessed 10pc to 15pc rise in sales. Traders of these two markets are already satisfied with huge sales of bridal items and garments due to the ongoing marriage season. However, Christian ladies are mainly buying frocks for themselves and their children these days.

However, President of All Hyderi Tajir Welfare Association Syed Mohammad Saeed said that due to limited number of Christians living in the surrounding areas, the Hyderi market is seeing only 10pc extra customers who are looking for items related to both Christmas and New Year.

Imran Saeed Baghpati, a member of the Bahadurabad Traders Association, said the area has been witnessing a rush of buyers for the last one week as manufacturers are offering discounts on various items.