As Eid approaches, the bustling markets of Faisalabad are teeming with shoppers eager to complete their preparations for the feast. During the last ten days of Ramazan, the crowds in the markets have swelled significantly, not just around iftar but also late into the night. Shoppers continue to pour into the city’s commercial hubs, creating an atmosphere of excitement and festivity.

To attract customers and enhance the celebratory spirit, shopping malls, brands outlets and small shops have adorned their fronts with decorative lighting, signaling the imminent arrival of Eid. The joyous occasion demands careful planning.Most people begin their preparations well in advance. Everyone hopes to make the most of their budget, securing the best possible purchases for the celebrations.

Women, in particular, are meticulous when it comes to Eid shopping. Their goal is to find the finest dresses, shoes, bangles and other accessories at the most reasonable prices. Many shoppers start their hunt with window shopping at upscale malls and branded outlets, only to end up making their purchases in wholesale markets and budget-friendly bazaars aroundthe historic Clock Tower.

Two shopping hubs cater to most women from all economic backgrounds, offering a wide variety of choices to suit every budget. One of these is the iconic Anarkali Bazaar, located near the historic Clock Tower, nestled between Bhawana Bazaar and Regal Road. The other is Madina Market, popularly known as 9 Number Gali, situated on Satyana Road near Jhal.

Anarkali Bazaar, renowned for its extensive collection of ladies’ dresses, footwear, bangles and artificial jewelleryhas been a cornerstone of Eid shopping for over six decades.

Muhammad Shahid, a long-time shopkeeper in the market, recalls the early days after he first set up shop. “Back then, the monthly rent for a store was betweenRs50 and Rs70,” he reminisces. “There were grain-roasting furnaces in some areas, buffaloes tied up in others. Some of the plots housed shops, others were still homes. Over time, the areahas been transformed.More shops have been built to meet the demand. Today, there’s barely room to walk. Everyone wants to own a shop in AnarkaliBazar,” he says.

He says that the market is known for its high-quality and durable products. “That is why so many women prefer shopping here. There was a time when you could complete your Eid shopping for three to five thousand rupees. Now, the amount barely covers two or three items,” he says.

Among the many shoppers navigating the crowded bazaar, Muhammad Arshad and his wife say they have come from Ghulam Muhammad Abad to buy Eid outfits and shoes for their children.

A power loom worker, Arshad says: “Adults can make do with old clothes, but for children, the joy of new clothes for Eidis irreplaceable.”

He narrates how they picked waistcoats and shalwarkameesfrom Regal Road; purchased pants, shirts and shoes from Jhang Bazaar;and have finally come to Anarkali to find dresses, bangles and sandals for their daughters. “Compared to other parts of the city, shopping here is more affordable. If one is willing to negotiate, the prices are flexible,” he says.

According to Chaudhry Sardar Muhammad, president of the Anarkali Bazaar Traders’ Association, the market caters to shoppers from all walks of life. “Whether someone has a small budget or a big one, they can find what they need here. It all depends on what they are looking for.They might want to spend five hundred rupees, five thousand or ten thousand. Whatever their budget, there is always something for them inAnarkali Bazaar,” he says.

Farzana, a working woman from Madina Town, says she had allocated 15,000 rupees for her Eid shopping.However, after purchasing bangles, shoes and just one outfit, she has already spent Rs10,000. The rising cost of festive essentials has forced many shoppers to re-evaluate their purchases.

Established in 1990, Madina Market on Satyana Road, also known as 9 Number Gali, has become the most popular shopping destination for women in Faisalabad. As the Eid shopping season peaks, the market is bustling with activity.

Zainab, a university student, shares her concerns about rising prices as she navigates the crowded shops. She says she had set aside 7,000 rupees for her Eid shopping, but after spending 2,000 rupees on just two sets of bangles, she is now worried about how to buy shoes and clothes with the remaining amount.

She recalls a time when bangles were available for just a few hundred rupees. Now, shopkeepers are quoting prices ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 rupees per set, making even this an expensive affair.

Farzana, a working woman from Madina Town, says she had allocated 15,000 rupees for her Eid shopping. However, after purchasing bangles, shoes and just one outfit, she has already spent 10,000 rupees. The increasing cost of festive essentials has forced many shoppers to re-evaluate their purchases.

According to RanaQadeerHussain, president of the Madina Market Traders’ Association, no amount ever seems enough in a market filled with high-quality products and a vast variety of options.

He says that while customers complain of high prices, shopkeepers are equally anxious. Despite the Eid season being the likeliest time for sales, many shoppers now simply inquire about prices and leave without making a purchase.

He says the rising cost of living has impacted shopping trends, pushing many consumers towards cheaper alternatives such as replica brands and budget-friendly accessories.

This shift has put high-end shop owners, who large rents to offer premium products, in a difficult position. At a well-known shopping mall on Canal Road, Muhammad Talha, the store manager for a major fashion brand, expresses his frustration. Despite discount offers, he says, most visitors merely check price tags before walking away. Covering operational expenses has become increasingly challenging. He says that while Eidis traditionally the biggest shopping event of the year in Pakistan, the volume of purchases has been steadily declining with each passing year.

Over time, the trend for online shopping for Eid has also gained ground. Samreen Khalid, a housewife from Batala Colony, shares that she hashaspurchased three outfits from a well-known brand’s online sale, a month before Eid. She has also ordered shoes online, preferring to avoid the hassle of navigating crowded markets during Ramazan.

She explains that she also buys clothes and shoes for her children online, or waits for clearance sales at major brands to make her purchases. This year, she plans to visit the market only on Chand Raat to buy bangles and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

The shift toward online shopping has not only transformed consumer habits but has also created new business opportunities. Muhammad Sami, who runs an online store specialising in men’s clothing in Faisalabad, shares that he launched his business just three months ago and has already surpassed sales of ten million rupees.

He notes that sales during Ramazan have doubled, even tripled for some businesses, proving that many people now prefer the convenience of shopping from home rather than visiting physical markets.

For many, online shopping offers a hassle-free experience, eliminating the need to visit multiple stores and negotiate prices with shopkeepers. Sami says that his business sources fabric directly from textile mills, allowing him to sell high-quality products at lower prices than the traditional stores and brands. Even after factoring in operational costs, social media marketing expenses and courier charges, the price of his suits remains 30 to 40 per cent lower than similar products available in physical stores. This advantage in costs, coupled with the convenience of home delivery, has made online shopping an increasingly popular choice among customers.

Despite higher prices and shifting trends, the festive spirit is alive, with families making the most of their budgets to celebrate the joyous occasion. Whether through vibrant market visits or the ease of digital purchases, Eid shopping remains an essential part of the festivity, bringing people together in the shared excitement of the occasion.

The writer has been associated with journalism for the past decade. He tweets @naeemahmad876