MUSCAT, JUNE 13 - Markets all across Oman are abuzz with Eid al Fitr shopping as celebrations reached a feverish pitch. While malls and hypermarkets are witnessing large turnout of people to take advantage of the special promos and offers, traditional souqs in and around the capital are full of shoppers even from far off places. Nizwa saw a large turnout of people and visitors, besides stockbreeders and their animals at the traditional Habta market. In other places like Salalah, Ibri, Bidiya and Musannah, Habta markets are abuzz with activites. Most roads and shopping areas are bustling with shoppers in Muscat, while the women seemed to be on a buying spree.
“The traffic congestion and heavy rush of people in the evening hours clearly indicate that all are set for the Eid celebrations on Friday,” said Ali al Wahaibi, a retired schoolteacher in Ruwi. At banks, there is a rush of people to exchange old currencies of smaller denominations with new, crisp notes that they would be giving away on the Eid day. “Customers are making big transactions which cannot be done through ATMs. We are having a very busy time”, said Saleh al Balushi, a senior official at a commercial bank.
Among Muslims, it is customary to give that crisp and shining currency notes are given as gifts (Eidi or Eidia) and since ATMs don’t store currencies of smaller denominations people have to get it from bank branches, he said
From clothing, accessories and jewellery, to shoes and gift items, shoppers were making a beeline for the shops in Seeb, Ruwi and Qurum, looking for their favourite items.
Shop owners are happy and busy as the mood is quite upbeat. The scenario this year looks better than last year, they say.
“Comparing with previous weeks of Ramadhan, there is now a shift in the customers’ purchasing preferences as Eid is nearing,” said Abdul Hameed, floor manager of a hypermarket in Ruwi. For general manager of a leading group of hypermarkets, economic situation seems to be much better than last year as is evidenced from the growth in the sales.
“Customers are buying more. Overall sales are expected to increase by as much as 30 per cent through the Eid holidays,” he said. Most jewellery shops in Ruwi area reported brisk business.
Eid shopping at the old souq of Muttrah attracts people not just from the city and surroundings areas, but also from distant parts of Oman.
Here, shoppers can find everything from spices to household, fabrics, toys and antiques. This bustling souq never fails to fascinate with mind-boggling displays of fine gold and silver jewellery, antiques, frankincense, carpets, rugs and other Omani souvenirs.
The main crowd pullers at the souq are shops selling scent, frankincense make-up material and clothes. For children, toys of various types are available at very affordable rates. The central market administration in Muscat, in the meantime, has announced extension of working hours during Eid.
It opens at 4.30 am and closes at 11 pm till today, the 29th day of Ramadhan.
SAMUEL KUTTY
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