National Day sales bring cheer to Muttrah Souq
With the festive mood set for National Day, people are thronging Muttrah Souq for last-minute shopping. Flags, scarves and caps
are selling out fast. Unlike the last couple of years, when sales were lacklustre, 2022 is witnessing an encouraging growth.
Shopkeeper Nitin Mehta said, “Flags are the most sought after items. Some customers also buy in bulk. The price for flags ranges from RO2 to RO5 depending on
size. But we also have big flags, which mostly the citizens buy, while expatriates buy caps and pens.”
The souq wears a festive look with shops decked out in flags. Some outlets have red and green light displays to woo customers, as patriotic songs add to the festive fervour.
Shops have been selling National Day items for over a week.
Shop owner Syed Balushi has kept very busy since last Friday.
“I have been selling 20 to 50 flags and about 30 scarves on a daily
basis. Normally the young people purchase scarves, but every one is interested in flags. This year, I’ve observed that small ones are
more in demand that the bigger ones.”
Tourists, school children, teachers, businessmen and peo
ple of all walks of life can be seen in the souq shopping for November 18 celebrations. Most consider Muttrah Souq the right place to purchase National Day items, where prices are more affordable than malls. Additionally, there’s an element of patriotism in shopping at the souq.
Businessman Bader al Harthy described the souq as “one of the oldest places in Muscat”.
“My grandparents lived here. I have a lot of memories here; I celebrated every National Day on the corniche. I have bought 50 pens and pins to distribute among my staff.”
Harthy still has to buy flags and lights to decorate his house. “I have some cousins here at the souq and I hear from them that this year, business is much better
than the last two.”