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The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Feature: Egypt's diverse Eid al-Adha clothing market offers options for varied budgets
CAIRO, June 4 (Xinhua) -- As Eid al-Adha, one of the most important festivals for Muslims, draws near, a palpable buzz fills the clothing stores and bustling markets across Egypt. Soha Ahmed, navigating a busy street in Cairo's Nasr City district with her three children, said clothing prices were reasonable compared to previous years. "There is a wide selection of clothing to suit most tastes," she told Xinhua, noting that "buying new clothes for Eid is a tradition in Egyptian life, as these clothes bring joy to children's hearts." Despite the economic challenges in Egypt, an undercurrent of optimism runs through the streets. Shopkeepers notice an increase in the number of local residents seeking new garments to celebrate the upcoming festivities on June 6. To cater to the diverse needs and budgets of a population navigating difficult living conditions this year, Egyptian clothing retailers are offering a wide range of options. Numerous promotions and discounts have been rolled out, with some stores slashing prices by more than 30 percent. The Ready-Made Garments Division of the Cairo Chamber of Commerce confirmed this trend, noting that most stores have been offering discounts ranging from 10 to 30 percent since May 20. "We began preparing our displays at the beginning of May, focusing on providing a diverse selection of clothing at prices that suit all classes," said Mahmoud Ragab, who owns a clothing store in Nasr City. Ragab, who sells imported clothing from Türkiye and China alongside products from local manufacturers, said that demand is exceptionally strong this year, particularly from families eager to buy new outfits for their children for Eid. "Eid is an important season for merchants, so most vendors offer great deals to attract customers, especially those with limited incomes," he affirmed. Beyond traditional retail, the Egyptian government has stepped in with vital initiatives to ensure families have access to affordable Eid clothes and essential commodities. The "We Are All One" initiative, launched by the Ministry of Interior on May 25 and running until the end of June across most Egyptian governorates, is an example. This initiative aims to provide high-quality food and non-food items, including clothes, at discounts of up to 40 percent through approximately 2,633 outlets nationwide. Hassan Abdullah, an employee at a private security company in Cairo, found solace in these government-run outlets. "Prices are noticeably lower," he told Xinhua as he purchased new clothes for his two children, pointing out that he had seen similar items elsewhere at prices at least 20 percent higher. For those looking for even more economical options, the booming market for imported used clothing provides an attractive alternative. Available in most markets, these stores offer quality garments at considerably lower prices. Adel Assaad, a worker at a bakery, considers used clothing stores his go-to option due to their affordability and variety. "It is the best option for my very limited income," Assaad said, adding "I rarely buy new clothes throughout the year. I buy clothes for entire family from used clothing stores, and not just for holidays." "There is a strong demand for used clothing from a wide segment of the population, particularly those with limited budgets," said Faraj Hussein, manager of a used clothing store in Cairo.
Al-Ahram Weekly
19-03-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Soaring prices push Egyptians to gift everyday goods this Ramadan, Eid, and Mother's Day - Economy
As Ramadan, Eid El-Fitr, and Mother's Day converge, Egyptian families prioritize home appliances and ready-made clothing over traditional gold jewellery gifts, with rising gold prices dampening sales and significantly shifting consumer trends. For many Egyptian families, buying gold jewellery for Mother's Day has long been a cherished tradition. However, this year, gold sales have not experienced the usual uptick. Instead, the focus has shifted to appliances and ready-made clothing. Ramadan, Eid El-Fitr, and Mother's Day are each a consumer peak season in their own right. Traditionally, these occasions drive consumer spending, but rising prices — especially gold — have dampened enthusiasm. Gold prices surged in the past two days, reflecting broader global uncertainty. Gold market struggles Nady Naguib, former secretary of the Gold Jewellery Division at the Cairo Chamber of Commerce, explained that the financial strain of Ramadan, combined with the upcoming Eid celebrations, deterred many from buying gold. This prevented any significant recovery in gold sales. Typically, gold jewellery sales rise by 30-35 percent during this period, but with prices continuing to climb, growth this year is limited to just 20 percent. Currently, sales are fluctuating between 10 and 15 percent, as many consumers prioritize essentials such as Eid clothing and traditional cookies (kahk) over luxury purchases. Families are closely watching gold prices and hoping for a drop, while some anticipate further increases to capitalize on existing holdings. Naguib predicts prices could rise again, particularly given the global political climate and the renewed Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, as gold often reacts to political and economic crises A surge in appliance sales, the top gift for Mother's Day While gold sales are sluggish, home appliance purchases are booming this Mother's Day. According to George Zakaria, head of the Home Electrical Appliances Division at the Giza Chamber of Commerce, demand has increased by 30-40 percent compared to regular days. This growth comes after a slow start to 2024, following a significant buying spree in 2023 driven by fears of price hikes. Appliance prices started to stabilize with the recent Ras El-Hekma investment deal bringing in foreign currency. Refrigerators, for instance, have seen price reductions of up to 40 percent. Air fryers are the most popular gift, priced between EGP 3,000 and EGP 5,000, followed by ovens at EGP 2,500 to EGP 4,000, and microwaves at EGP 3,000 to EGP 15,000. Smaller appliances are available with 10-20 percent discounts, while larger items like refrigerators and stoves see only limited price cuts. Blenders are priced between EGP 650 and EGP 2,500, depending on the brand. Dishwashers, however, remain the least popular due to their high costs Modest clothing Mohamed El-Daour, a member of the Ready-Made Garments Division at the Cairo Chamber of Commerce, noted that clothing sales have shown only a slight increase of 10 percent this year, hindered by weak purchasing power, seasonal weather conditions, and ongoing school terms. Unlike other sectors, the overlap of Mother's Day and Eid boosted sales of women's clothing, particularly headscarves and casual outfits. El-Daour explained that local production dominates Egypt's clothing market, accounting for 70 percent of sales. The Egyptian textile industry has shown substantial growth, offering high-quality products at prices nearly 40 percent lower than imported alternatives, making them the preferred choice for many consumers. Changing consumer priorities Mohamed Mounir, 35, explained that the convergence of Mother's Day and Eid, in addition to the financial strain of Ramadan and soaring prices, forced many families to rethink their shopping priorities. He decided to reduce his purchases of kahk and biscuits to buy a gift for his mother while prioritizing Eid clothes for his daughter. Shaimaa Abdel Aziz, 31, adopted similar strategies. She cut household expenses well before Ramadan early to afford gifts for Mother's Day and Eid clothing for her three children. Abdel Aziz managed her budget by preparing some items at home instead of buying them ready-made and focusing on her children's essential needs. According to her, careful planning and balance are key to managing finances effectively, helping ease financial pressures without feeling deprived. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
