Al Ain: Residents began to crowd shopping malls and markets in this city in the run-up for Eid Al Fitr.
The mood is upbeat as preparations go on full swing as retail outlets offer a flurry of pre-Eid enticements.
According to shop owners, textiles, garments, shoes, cosmetics, jewellery, and toys top most shoppers' list. The most preferred shopping time over the last several days is between 8:30pm to 12 midnight and most of the streets are clogged with traffic. Some market areas get packed so early and people face difficulty in parking their cars.
Riaz Ahmad, a salesman at Al Ain central souq, said majority of their customers are women, children, and young adults. "We are expecting a good business this year and all the shops and markets are displaying the best seasonal varieties to cater to the shoppers' demands," he said.
New stocks
Abdul Hadi, another businessman, said that traders have brought in new stocks and varieties and are doing a good business. They have also decorated shops and markets in the best possible way. "Though it's a seasonal shopping, we are happy with the pace of business," he said.
A drop has been noticed in the sale of gold products. Babar Ali, a jeweller, said the recent surge in gold prices had a negative impact on sales.
