Tailors hard at work in a shop

The demand for the thobe, head dress and leather slippers is very high at this time of the year. The local market thrives before the festival as most locals are keen to have new clothes for the first day of Eid. While some complain that the prices of fabrics and tailors’ charges have been deliberately increased by  outlets exploiting the temporary boom, most people indicated that the prices are almost the same and there was not much change. Locals stressed the need to maintain old Souqs (traditional markets) as the tailor and fabric shops there offer moderate and stable prices. “These traditional outlets are of utmost importance to preserve the old touch and stable prices. They are unlike international brands in the market which may  exaggerate rates for the same services, ,” said a local man in his 50s. However, another young man said that there is an “undeclared consensus” among tailors and fabric merchants to raise prices by around 30% this year, especially for those coming late before Eid.“The charge for plain dress was around QR70 last season, but now it is above QR90 for the same service. Similarly, the prices for the same fabric vary from one outlet to the other. Generally, bargaining is inevitable to get a good deal in particular if you are not a regular customer ,” said Mubarak, a local youth. Yet, some affirmed that tailors give their loyal customers special rates . They also give them priority over others for delivery.“I have been with the same tailor for many years, and I bring my children to him. I am sure he gives me better services and prices than others. He easily understands my demands and requirements and gives me exactly what I expect,” pointed out Khalifa, a middle aged local man.Tailors, who sometimes provide the necessary fabric as well, said that they usually recruit more staff for the occasion to deliver the orders in time. Otherwise, the new clothes would be meaningless if delivered after Eid. They argued that they have not exploited the occasion by raising prices.“We don’t need to do so. The demand is normally high and offering a quality and timely service is our way to gain the trust of our customers. In fact, the practice of seasonal increase of prices is harmful to our fame, integrity and the business too,” said a manger of a tailor shop in a traditional Souq.“Most people would go for moderate prices though some prefer very expensive ones. But this is very limited because those people would go for famous readymade brands, which may cost over QR500 for a single dress,” he explained.Other tailors admitted that they attempt to raise their  prices for new customers, anticipating a little bargaining to ensue.“There are many outlets in the same place, so customers can easily compare prices and quality. Yet, bargaining is inevitable, people are used to it and we take this into account in our offer price,” admitted the tailor.As for leather slippers and headdress, the brands and quality varies greatly and prices too accordingly. While a pair of slippers may start at around QR60, some famous brands may exceed QR1,000 depending on the  make. “It is a very special time of the year and looking at one’s best is very important. It is time to show off in front of family and community members,”  said a young Qatari man.Demand is also very high for women’s clothes, specially colourful and decorative dresses that have a distinguished touch. While some prefer well-known dress makers for tailor-made dresses a significant number prefer to go for readymade outfits produced by  international fashion houses. The choice is subject to the  budget of the customer but most women are usually willing to pay for  an exceptionally beautiful dress.“Young women, in particular, are very beauty conscious and they want to look their best during this time. Those who are newly married, engaged or looking for a suitable match endeavour to look their best for family occassions,” said a dressmaker.