With Eid Al-Fitr weeks away, shoppers are hunting for discounts on goods, especially branded ones.

The increase in the number of sales in Jeddah’s retail stores is luring large crowds to buy garments, electronics and food at cheap prices ahead of Eid Al-Fitr in a couple of weeks.

Many shops are witnessing an upward trend in the number of customers and expect the numbers to swell by the end of Ramadan. Omer Bassam, a Yemeni employee at a ladies retail store in a mall said: “We normally see around 80 to 100 customers per day but after we put up the sales banner, we are seeing over 200 customers.”

Another employee, Hameed Abdullah who works at a popular children’s clothes and accessories stores said: “All the children’s garments showcased in our store are of exclusive brands and after putting a discount on them, our sales have increased by almost 80 percent.”

The majority of shops are doing brisk business and enjoying good returns on their sales as customers go on a shopping spree taking advantage of the slashed prices on branded products and accessories.

“During Ramadan, employees get an opportunity to earn an extra income by making the most number of sales. Moreover, the turnover during the holy month is also high owing to competition with other stores,” said Sameer Syed, the Giordano branch manager. He added that the stores had been decorated to attract more customers.

According to some of the giant retail stores, this season there is a demand not only for clothes but also for mobile phones, cameras and other gadgets. Commenting on this, Mohammed Suleiman, commercial manager at a hypermarket, said: “These electronic devices are among our most popular items as our customers gear up for Eid gifts and family outings.”

Sweet stores have also registered an upsurge in the sale of chocolates which is a popular gift item and a favorite snack to serve visitors. Chocolates of different brands and varieties have been put up for sale for people to enjoy at affordable prices.

 
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