KOZHIKODE: As Ramzan is drawing to a close, the city is witnessing a shopping spree with families thronging the shops. With the completion of the preparations for the Eid feast, families buy the latest model garments to be adorned for the feast.
"We have registered a steep rise in the number of shoppers visiting the market during the last three days," said Ismail Abdulla, a vendor at SM Street. “Since the customers go for the latest fashion and trends, we are selective in picking materials and designs for the garments. The majority of customers lay more focus on quality rather than on quantity,” he added.
"Though the advent of malls and branded showrooms in Kozhikode city had affected our sales during the previous years, this time we were prepared to cater to the demands of our customers," said M. Jisab, a sales staff member at a leading garment outlet at SM Street. He added that shopping had picked up, as people wanted to avoid last-minute rush.
Apart from the handloom, khadi and handicraft fairs that offer government rebates, electronic shops and textile shops are also attracting buyers with seasonal offers and discounts. Shops selling dry fruit, seasonal fruits, dates, attar (perfume) and other ingredients have been teeming with buyers. The Ramdan food festival organised in various parts of the city has been a major attraction, as the food kiosks that open when the fast is broken sell traditional and popular Ramdan special traditional snacks and dishes.
