The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) has offered consumers some shopping tips for the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement, the MEC pointed out that usually people have some misconceptions that drives them to buy more things, in particular food items, during Ramadan to meet their needs for at least one week.
Such ideas include their steadfast belief that their table should include a variety of dishes. In addition, people buy more to avoid having repeated shopping trips and hence escape traffic rush, market crowds and delays.
Accordingly, the MEC has called on consumers to pre-plan their shopping trips to avoid spending more than they really need to consume and avoid the potential wastage. Some even resort to taking loans to cover their unnecessary excessive spending due to the lack of proper and timely planning.
Statistics show that that Qatari families usually spend 10% of their income on food items while expatriate families spend 25%. However, these rates shoot up to 25-35% during Ramadan and summer holidays.
The MEC advised consumers to prepare a well-studied shopping list ahead of their next shopping trip, and avoid going to the market during the fasting times as the feeling of hunger may drive people to buy more than they actually need.
In addition, people should try to buy the basic items such as rice, sugar and cooking oil early enough to avoid crowds at the peak time.
The MEC has also urged consumers to follow up the market promotions and discounts, and compare the offers from various outlets to choose the best that suits them. It is advisable to buy large quantities of items that have long expiry dates to benefit from their discounted prices, the MEC added.
Such ideas include their steadfast belief that their table should include a variety of dishes. In addition, people buy more to avoid having repeated shopping trips and hence escape traffic rush, market crowds and delays.
Accordingly, the MEC has called on consumers to pre-plan their shopping trips to avoid spending more than they really need to consume and avoid the potential wastage. Some even resort to taking loans to cover their unnecessary excessive spending due to the lack of proper and timely planning.
Statistics show that that Qatari families usually spend 10% of their income on food items while expatriate families spend 25%. However, these rates shoot up to 25-35% during Ramadan and summer holidays.
The MEC advised consumers to prepare a well-studied shopping list ahead of their next shopping trip, and avoid going to the market during the fasting times as the feeling of hunger may drive people to buy more than they actually need.
In addition, people should try to buy the basic items such as rice, sugar and cooking oil early enough to avoid crowds at the peak time.
The MEC has also urged consumers to follow up the market promotions and discounts, and compare the offers from various outlets to choose the best that suits them. It is advisable to buy large quantities of items that have long expiry dates to benefit from their discounted prices, the MEC added.
