The commencement of Ramadan in Kuwait has resulted in a considerable rise in market demand for essential goods and specialty items. Traffic congestion around markets returned as citizens and residents engaged in shopping, leading to a 37% increase in sales. Cooperative societies launched promotions and discounts to meet consumer needs, while shoppers navigated price variations and actively sought the best deals during this busy season.
As Ramadan commenced, Kuwait’s markets experienced a notable surge in demand for food and consumer goods, reflecting the season’s traditional shopping habits. The return of traffic congestion around local markets indicated a robust influx of shoppers engaging in purchasing activities following Ramadan’s official announcement. Citizens and residents alike filled their carts with essential items and specialty products linked to the holy month, resulting in a reported 37% increase in sales leading up to Ramadan.
During a field survey, typical traffic blockages around cooperative societies and central markets were evident, highlighting the busy shopping environment. Shoppers acquired essential goods such as pastries, pasta, cold beverages, meat, chicken, and vegetables. Some consumers expressed strategies to avoid price increases by shopping early, although others noted that national holiday celebrations delayed their purchases.
Shoppers like Umm Fahd, a housewife, remarked on the varying price levels across cooperatives, stating, “Some cooperatives offer real discounts, while others raise prices and then offer so-called discounts. I always compare prices before making my purchases.” To accommodate heightened demand, several cooperative societies implemented special promotions during Ramadan, including free purchase coupons and substantial discounts on essential items.
Ahmed Zayed, the Manager of Al-Shamiya and Shuwaikh Cooperative Society Market, reported that they had provided shareholders with substantial purchase coupons, including a basket of ten essential Ramadan items and additional offers. Meanwhile, Sameh Hosni, Director of the Central Market at Jahra Cooperative Society, noted the society’s extensive preparations and efforts to manage product availability and ease consumer financial burdens with discount coupons.
The Rawda and Hawally Cooperative Society also launched coupons valued at 80 dinars, in addition to discounts reaching 50% on various products. Consumers have commended the government’s initiatives aimed at regulating prices, thereby safeguarding consumers’ rights, with some shoppers attributing high costs of certain imported goods to exchange rate fluctuations.
Long queues at cooperative cash registers underscored the robust demand for Ramadan essentials, alongside parallel central markets attracting many shoppers due to significant promotions. Popular Ramadan items included cold drinks, samosas, traditional dishes like harees and jareesh, and staples like ragag bread and cooking oils.
The onset of Ramadan has rejuvenated Kuwait’s markets, sparking a considerable rise in the demand for food and consumer essentials. While shoppers actively sought out discounts and promotions, they also communicated concerns about fluctuating prices of imported goods. The various cooperative societies responded with advantageous offers, contributing to an overall festive and supportive shopping experience during this sacred month.
Original Source: www.arabtimesonline.com
