EID FESTIVAL FRENZY AT ITS PEAK

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.