Shopping frenzy grips Sultanate

Many others find the season conducive for purchasing new vehicles.

“This tendency makes both the furniture and automobile markets vibrant,” said Rafeeq Mangalath, a retail market expert.

Eid al Fitr is the biggest festival for all the Muslims across the world and Muslims celebrate this festival with great religious zeal and enthusiasm.

“Celebration is only a few days away after the long blessed days of fasting,” said Abdullah bin Saleh al Wahaibi, a teacher in Ruwi.

“You can feel the message of joy during Eid. It is reverberating everywhere. Everyone will be contributing to the real meaning of joy and happiness brought about by the Eid festivities,” he added.

Although Muscat has come a long way from the simple old souqs to the bustling, ultramodern shopping complexes that have sprung up in the city in recent times, the old market of Muttrah is still an important supply centre for Omanis and the expatriate community.

Eid shopping at Muttrah attracts people not just from the city and surroundings areas but also from distant parts of Oman.

The main crowd-pullers at the souq are shops selling perfume, frankincense, makeup material and clothes.

For children, toys of various types are available affordable rates.

The online companies too are cashing in on the consumers’ increased online consumption behaviour.

Google data reported a peak in search interest for perfumes and celebratory clothes for the holidays.

“Today’s tech-savvy consumers understand the advantages of shopping online such as convenience, competitive pricing and greater variety,” said Rafeeq.

The other shops which are attracting a large number of buyers are that of ready-made garments as traditionally people like to wear new apparels on Eid.

Jewellery shops were also doing brisk business. at very