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Kuwait Times
24-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Souq Mubarakiya's charm trumps online shopping
Kuwait's iconic market thrives as a cultural landmark where tradition, connection and community converge By Christine Susan Shine In an age where shopping is often just a swipe away, Kuwait's historic Souq Mubarakiya stands out — not merely as a marketplace, but as a living memory. Despite the rise of e-commerce, conversations with visitors reveal a simple truth: The experience of offline shopping, especially at Mubarakiya, remains irreplaceable. While online shopping offers convenience, Mubarakiya offers something deeper — a human connection. The opportunity to negotiate prices, chat with a shopkeeper who's been there for decades or simply lose oneself in a maze of history is what makes the souq unique. Everything one might desire is found under one roof: Gold shops, antique stores, bead vendors, perfumeries, money exchangers, toy sellers, sweet stalls, fresh produce, bustling fish and meat markets and an entire street dedicated to women's fabrics and tailoring. More than a place to shop, Souq Mubarakiya is a destination to experience. Fatma, a regular visitor, shared: 'I come here three times a month. It's easier to shop here because we know the sellers personally. I like to touch the fabrics and smell the perfumes before buying. The prices are reasonable, the quality is good, and there's that emotional attachment.' This sense of familiarity and connection is echoed by many. For locals like Muhammad Ali, a visit to Mubarakiya is more than a shopping trip — it's a cherished tradition. 'Since childhood, I would come here with my mother to buy dishdasha and ghutra (headdress),' he recalled with a smile. 'Now, I come here to drink tea, enjoy a variety of cuisines and maybe bump into old friends.' A vendor displays traditional teapots at a shop in Souq Mubarakiya. A vendor stacks dates at his shop. A vendor sits in his prayer bead shop in Souq Mubarakiya. Foreign students in Kuwait visit the souq. Muhammed Ali, a regular visitor. A jeweller arranges ornaments at his gold shop in the souq. People shop for fruit and vegetables and foodstuff at Souq Mubarakiya. 'Coming here gives a completely different feeling,' said another customer, strolling through the souq. 'You see people from all walks of life. It's the same feeling I had 20-30 years ago when my grandfather and father used to bring me here. In today's digital world, it's very hard to get in touch with reality. But here, you get to sense it all.' It's not just Kuwaitis who are drawn to the souq. Tourists, expats and students all agree that the charm of Mubarakiya lies in its ability to offer an authentic, welcoming experience. For many, it's also a weekend retreat. Warrior, a student from Tajikistan, and Iman, a Russian student, both regulars at the souq, shared: 'We come here not just to shop, but to walk around and enjoy the surroundings. It's a weekend tradition for us now.' 'Going to shops in Kuwait will never go out of trend,' said another visitor. 'People here love the act of shopping itself — feeling, seeing tasting. It's part of who we are.' This sensory richness cannot be replicated online. At Mubarakiya, shoppers experience a level of reliability and connection that no digital platform can match. According to recent figures issued by the Central Bank of Kuwait, consumer spending reached an all-time high of KD 47.81 billion in 2024 — a testament to Kuwaitis' enduring love for shopping. In a world increasingly driven by algorithms and automation, Souq Mubarakiya stands as a reminder of shopping's roots as a social, sensory and deeply human experience. Every corner of the souq tells a story, every stall contributes to Kuwait's cultural fabric. As the nation moves into a digital future, Mubarakiya continues to prove that tradition and progress can coexist in harmony. And as long as the love for tradition remains strong, the story of Mubarakiya will not be written on a screen — but lived in the very heart of the city.
Kuwait Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
In Kuwait, in-store shopping reigns despite global e-commerce shift
Trust issues, shopping culture drive preference for traditional retail: Experts By Christine Susan Shine KUWAIT: Despite the global shift toward online shopping, people in Kuwait remain firmly loyal to in-store experiences. According to a 2024 Ipsos report, Spotlight Kuwait: Online Shopper Behavior and Attitudes, 86 percent of Kuwait's population still prefers to shop in physical stores, making it one of the few markets globally where traditional retail continues to dominate. In the US, for example, online shopping continues to gain ground over traditional retail, with the overall retail sector projected to contract by 0.2 percent over the next decade. During the 2024 holiday season, 76 percent of American shoppers were planning to buy at least half of their gifts online, according to a CNBC article. On the other hand, the Ipsos poll found that only 14 percent of Kuwait's population favors online shopping. Analysts attribute this trend to a mix of cultural habits, convenience, and a lack of trust in online platforms — factors that have shaped a uniquely Kuwaiti approach to retail. The poll surveyed 500 people across the country, with a sample representative of the population across gender, age (18+), nationality and socioeconomic status. According to Aftab Ellahi, Chief Client Officer at Ipsos Kuwait, mistrust is a big reason people avoid online shopping. 'With so many phishing scams and shady websites, people, especially expats — just feel safer paying in-store,' he says. Kuwait's small size and conveniently located shopping areas are another factor, a sales official in one of Kuwait's largest retail companies tells Kuwait Times. 'It's actually easier to get around here than in most big cities,' says an expert in the market. 'Traffic's manageable, everything's close, and shopping feels like a mini outing.' Walk into any mall on a weekend and you'll feel it, the energy of a community that loves to shop, not just for products, but for the experience. In Kuwait, malls are more than shopping centers — they're weekend spots. With limited entertainment venues, heading to a mall has become a leisure activity. For many, shopping is a social ritual where families meet, and friends catch up. Fatima, who didn't give her last name, says no app can replicate the joy of stumbling upon the perfect outfit or bargaining your way to a sweet deal. 'We love to touch, try, and explore the products before buying,' explains Fatima, a long-time shopper. 'Online images can be misleading. What looks great on screen might not suit us in person.' Some shoppers like Gabriel, a 29-year-old who didn't give his last name, gets the best of both worlds: 'I order groceries online — it's fast. But for shoes? I need to try them on. No exceptions.' Only 14 percent of people surveyed say they prefer online shopping. Even for everyday tasks like bill payments and travel bookings, Kuwait's population is slower to go digital: 37 percent pay their telecom bills online, while 27 percent use the internet to book their travel. Surprisingly, this love for physical shopping spans generations. According to Ipsos, two thirds of those aged 45+, and those between 25-44 still enjoy going to stores. Even Gen Z isn't fully digital — 43 percent of shoppers aged 18–24 say they'd rather try before they buy. While much of the world settled into a digital-first life after COVID-19, Kuwait swung back to its roots. 'People missed the human part of shopping,' says Ellahi. 'They want to feel fabrics, smell perfumes, try on clothes — that emotional satisfaction is irreplaceable.' This shift doesn't reflect a rejection of digital convenience, but rather a preference for balance. A blend of online accessibility and in-person experiences is shaping Kuwait's retail landscape, where shopping remains as much a cultural and social activity as a commercial one.
