DUBAI Tailors in Dubai are working overtime to meet the surge in orders ahead of Eid Al Fitr.
Tailoring shops, both big and small, in the alleys of Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai, reported brisk business, saying Eid orders began coming in two months ago, well before the start of Ramadan.
Kamal Makhija, owner of Dream Girl Tailors, one of the largest tailoring chains in the UAE, said: “We are full this Ramadan. Our tailors are working till midnight to ensure that our customers get their clothes on time.”
He said: “Women don’t like waiting, they want their clothes yesterday. So they are happy when our tailors are prompt in their delivery.”
Makhija, who employs 530 tailors, said Dream Girl is catering to an average of 300 orders a day, with some customers giving up to 15 salwar kameez sets for stitching.
Muhammad Kashif Ishaq of Fajr Al Madina Tailors, which specialises in Pakistani suits, said: “We have three masters/cutters and 13 tailors who do the stitching – and they are all very busy. They normally work for 12 hours, but now they are clocking in three-four hours extra.”
He said the shop is catering to 30-35 orders a day. “The biggest demand is for Pakistani designer suits. A lot of people look up innovative designs on the net and want us to replicate them.”
Last-minute orders
Across the road, Bhavna Lakwani of Radha’s Closet, said the Eid rush was compounded by orders from people leaving for their summer vacation. “Most of what we do is fusion wear, besides ethnic dresses. While the Eid orders started coming in last month, people travelling out for summer have been placing last-minute orders. They also want quick delivery.”
The tailors, however, said customers are not being charged extra for the rush orders.
Some customers, who were running late with their wardrobe plans said they had been turned away by a couple of tailors because they were fully booked. “I wanted to get a few blouses and salwar kameez stitched. I approached three shops yesterday but none was willing to take the entire order as I wanted delivery by the weekend. Looks like I have to scale down the number of items and go knocking at their doors again,” said Mariam, a housewife.
Elsewhere, Safia Siddiqi, a student, said, “I can’t find a good tailor who can deliver my clothes before next week. They are all so busy. I may now have to go in for a readymade suit for Eid.”
Muslim men and women wear new clothes and meet with family and friends to mark the Eid Al Fitr celebrations. It is part of a cherished tradition.
