The area hosting popular markets such as Souq Al Asiery, Souq Al Dira and Souq Al Jabr is witnessing a considerable turnout of customers due to the increased demand for clothes, perfumes and various accessories in the run-up to Eid al-Adha.
People of different nationalities, especially Qataris, have been keen to shop for their needs in these souqs as well as in other commercial areas and shopping malls. This, in turn, reflects positively on the business of retail outlets there and the shop owners are hopeful of making up for some of the losses incurred due to the long period of closure prompted by the Covid-19 outbreak.
Customers have also expressed happiness at the reopening of souqs and other retail establishments, as this allows them to select their preferred items in person and also buy them at affordable prices. Also, in view of the current circumstances, shop employees are willing to sell their goods at reasonable rates to attract and retain more customers and give a boost to their business.
Local Arabic daily Arrayah spoke to some of the customers and shopkeepers at these places and got the general impression that both are happy with the gradual return to normal life. At the same time, they strongly belief that the precautionary measures and restrictions still in place are meant for their health, safety and wellbeing.
The shopkeepers at these souqs stressed that they offer a good collection of clothes, in particular Qatari dresses and abaya, at "excellent prices" compared to outlets elsewhere. They provide more options to suit different tastes and preferences, the shopkeepers said, adding that their retail prices for most items have not changed for years though the products are updated and improved in line with popular trends.
Shaheedul Islam, an abaya maker, said they have been working hard to deliver the orders on time for Eid, noting that many women are keen to have their abayas tailored rather than ready-made. He added that the charges for making an abaya ranges from QR100 to QR350 based on the decoration and embellishment.
Abdullah Mohamed, a tailor, said both Eid al-Adha and the upcoming return-to-school period have contributed to an increased demand for thobes, mostly white in colour. He informed that many customers prefer to order several new thobes for themselves and their children at the same time. They also buy the fabric from the same tailor's shop, which make occasions such as Eid excellent business opportunities for people in the trade, he added.
While the shops are working in full swing and the number of customers are increasing, the preventive and precautionary measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 are being diligently followed by all concerned to ensure public health and safety.
Packed parking slots outside a souq
A garments store
At a tailoring shop
Customers have also expressed happiness at the reopening of souqs and other retail establishments, as this allows them to select their preferred items in person and also buy them at affordable prices. Also, in view of the current circumstances, shop employees are willing to sell their goods at reasonable rates to attract and retain more customers and give a boost to their business.
Local Arabic daily Arrayah spoke to some of the customers and shopkeepers at these places and got the general impression that both are happy with the gradual return to normal life. At the same time, they strongly belief that the precautionary measures and restrictions still in place are meant for their health, safety and wellbeing.
The shopkeepers at these souqs stressed that they offer a good collection of clothes, in particular Qatari dresses and abaya, at "excellent prices" compared to outlets elsewhere. They provide more options to suit different tastes and preferences, the shopkeepers said, adding that their retail prices for most items have not changed for years though the products are updated and improved in line with popular trends.
Shaheedul Islam, an abaya maker, said they have been working hard to deliver the orders on time for Eid, noting that many women are keen to have their abayas tailored rather than ready-made. He added that the charges for making an abaya ranges from QR100 to QR350 based on the decoration and embellishment.
Abdullah Mohamed, a tailor, said both Eid al-Adha and the upcoming return-to-school period have contributed to an increased demand for thobes, mostly white in colour. He informed that many customers prefer to order several new thobes for themselves and their children at the same time. They also buy the fabric from the same tailor's shop, which make occasions such as Eid excellent business opportunities for people in the trade, he added.
While the shops are working in full swing and the number of customers are increasing, the preventive and precautionary measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 are being diligently followed by all concerned to ensure public health and safety.