Eid shoppers enticed by massive discounts

Abu Dhabi: Eid holiday shoppers can pick up a bargain in the capital's malls and stores as most outlets are offering up to 70 per cent discounts.

In a move to attract shoppers before the long Eid holiday, some shops offered discounts ranging between 20 and 70 per cent, while others retained their old prices. However, shop managers told Gulf News the discounts did not cover their new collections.

Ramiz, a 28-year-old store manager, said it was normal to have discounts in the run-up to the Eid holidays.

"We started our sale a few days ago, it's the holiday season and we are trying to give people the chance to shop before Eid."

Nathalie, a shop manager from Lebanon, said: "It's normal at this time of the year to give discounts. We hope it will encourage people to shop more."

Unacceptable

Nathalie said although the holiday had started, not too many people were visiting the malls.

Shoppers, on the other hand, thought many of the shops advertising sales did not have any discounted goods. Jennifer Dean, from the United Kingdom said she saw some shops saying they were having a sale, "but there was no sale".

"I went inside a shop that had a 60 per cent discount sticker on the window, to find one of the workers telling me the sale ended weeks ago.

"I think it's a way to tempt customers, but that's lying to people and not acceptable," she added.

Sarah, 25, from Jordan, said shops that offered holiday discounts only applied it on old stock.

"Most of the places I've been in offer discounts, but they don't give you discounts on their new collection of clothes.

"I know these shops offer discounts on last season's stock to get rid of it. But if you search hard enough you will find a good buy," she added.

TRACY BRAND/Gulf News

Abuzz

The Bur Dubai souk is a hive of activity as people prepare for the three-day Eid Al Adha holiday. The sacrificial holiday is the culmination of the

Haj season, and is a chance for the rich to give to the needy.