Sale of readymade garments and other items at major shopping centers of Karachi has declined substantially this year as compared to previous year due to unabated cycle of deadly violence in the city and declining purchasing power of the consumers. Ironically, the citizens faced immense problems in buying winter clothing during last few weeks, as during the period the whole city was in grip of violence which forced the buyers to remain indoors.

Trades said that fear of sudden eruption of violence confined the people especially ladies to homes and they avoid going out for shopping. Other major factor attributed by them for low sale is the depressed buying capacity of the general public due to high inflation.

The traders further said that the number of visitors registered significant decline in last few months which affecting their businesses gravely. However, some of the traders said they had cut down their profit margins substantially in order to attract buyers. They claimed that the few customers visiting market also took full advantage of prevailing dull conditions and after significant bargaining make some shopping.

A dealer at Dolman Centre said that with the advent of winter season they were expecting increase in sale of sweaters, jackets and other warm cloth but the sale was sluggish. However, a retailer said that the rush of buyers for winter shopping might gain momentum when mercury fell in the city.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2012