Eid shopping is in full swing, as shoppers raid stores to buy new clothes, gifts and other items ahead of the Eid holidays. Yet shoppers are complaining that prices have doubled as compared to last year and that it is becoming increasingly hard to find affordable items for purchase.
Still, shopping trends ahead of Eid never seem to change. “Prices have only marginally increased,” Sharif Siddiqui, a Jeddah resident said.
Another shopper, Youness Nadim, said parents and children are unwilling to compromise on purchasing Eid clothes and gifts no matter how much prices rise.
Saleh Salim, another shopper, told Arab News there has been no difference in shopping trends in spite of price increases.
“Everyone needs new clothes for Eid. In addition, giving gifts on Eid is a tradition and is an integral part of Saudi culture. It's true that you can no longer buy the same quality for the price you're used to paying, but this seems inevitable,” he said.
He said that although many go Eid shopping prior to the beginning of Ramadan so they focus on acts of worship in the last 10 days of Ramadan, stores remain overcrowded.
Prices double ahead of Eid Al-Fitr
