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Economy ME
2 days ago
- Business
- Economy ME
Eid al-Adha 2025 transforms consumer spending patterns with e-commerce, mobile shopping trends
Muslim communities around the world consider Eid al-Adha, 'the Festival of Sacrifice,' to be a major religious and social occasion. As well as being important spiritually, it now greatly affects consumer habits, shapes trends in retail and influences how families spend their money. Growing economic pressure, new technologies and updated cultural preferences are altering the way people buy goods and services ahead of Eid al-Adha 2025. This thorough study examines recent trends, important statistics and insights on how consumers behave during Eid al-Adha in 2025, covering online purchases, festive spending, fashion, gifts and the economy. Significance of Eid al-Adha in consumer culture Eid al-Adha is not only a period of spiritual reflection and communal worship but also a peak season for consumer spending. The holiday is marked by traditions that involve purchasing new clothes, exchanging gifts, decorating homes, and preparing elaborate meals for family and guests. These customs drive a surge in retail activity, both online and in physical stores, as families seek to celebrate generously and uphold cultural values. The spirit of giving and sharing is central to Eid al-Adha, reinforcing social bonds and fostering a sense of community. Retailers and brands recognize this, timing their biggest promotions and exclusive collections to coincide with the holiday season. Digital transformation: Rise of e-commerce Online shopping growth In 2025, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is witnessing a remarkable shift towards online shopping during Eid al-Adha. E-commerce is projected to grow by 30 percent, reflecting a broader trend of consumers embracing digital platforms for their festive purchases. This surge is driven by: Greater convenience and time savings Access to a wider range of products, including global and local brands Exclusive online deals, flash sales, and app-only discounts Enhanced user experiences through mobile apps and digital payment solutions Mobile-first shopping Most people looking for Eid products now use their smartphones to explore and make their purchases. You can easily use apps from Namshi, Noon and Amazon, thanks to their smooth navigation, tailored product suggestions and instant way to buy. A mobile first website helps busy families and tech users with their Christmas shopping by making it both easier and more convenient. Key shopping categories and spending patterns Fashion and apparel A favorite Eid custom is to put on new outfits. Shops put together dedicated Eid collections just for men, women and children, offering good deals on them. Namshi, H&M, Max Fashion and Noon lead the way, giving customers various holiday outfits and special deals. Gifts and fragrances The demand for gifts during Eid al-Adha is expected to increase by over 150 percent compared to previous years. Popular gift choices include: Fragrance gift sets (especially from Amazon and Namshi) Jewelry and accessories Toys and games for children Home décor and kitchenware Home décor and festive essentials Preparing your home for guests is a major part of Eid traditions. Home owners purchase new table, home decor and other appliances, typically during times when stores are offering them for discounts. Food and beverages While the focus remains on traditional meals and the sacrificial feast, consumers are increasingly seeking gourmet treats, ready-to-eat options, and premium ingredients, often sourced online or through specialty retailers. Read more | Eid al-Adha 2025: Your ultimate guide to festive fashion, gifts, and smart shopping deals Shopping tips The best deals typically go live 1–2 weeks before Eid. Use promo codes and shop via retailer apps for additional savings. Gifting: Surging demand and new preferences 150 percent increase in gift demand The tradition of exchanging gifts is experiencing unprecedented growth, with demand expected to skyrocket by over 150 percent in 2025. This surge is attributed to: The ease of online gifting platforms Curated gift sets and personalized options Social media influence and peer recommendations Popular gift categories Fragrance gift sets (highly popular among both men and women) Branded accessories and jewelry Tech gadgets and smart home devices Children's toys and educational kits Exclusive online deals Today, many companies save their best promotions for those who shop on the web or through their apps such as short-lived flash sales and coupons that customers can only use in the app. As a result, both website visitors and loyal customers are rewarded. Economic pressures and budget-conscious consumers Selective spending amid economic challenges While there is a lot of holiday cheer, money concerns are guiding how people shop in 2025. When goods rise in price, VAT grows and there is worry about jobs, families are becoming choosier about how they spend their money. Researchers found certain observations significant: A focus on affordability and practicality over luxury or fleeting trends Increased use of discounts, coupon codes, and price comparison tools A shift towards essential purchases (food, modest clothing) and away from secondary goods (electronics, high-end furniture) Household budgeting More than half of consumers plan to be cautious with their budgets, even for essential items like food and beverages. Spending on non-essential categories is expected to decline as families prioritize savings and financial security, according to a new research. Mobile-first shopping and role of apps App-driven deals and user experience Mobile apps are leading the way for shoppers looking for Eid goods. Merchants are making deals available only through apps, sending custom messages and smoothing out the payment system to attract more shoppers on their phones. Key mobile shopping trends Flash sales and limited-time offers accessible only via apps Personalized recommendations based on browsing and purchase history Integration of digital wallets and one-click payment options Enhanced customer support through in-app chat and AI assistants Brand strategies and marketing innovations Adapting to changing consumer preferences Brands and retailers are adopting adaptive strategies to cater to more selective and budget-conscious consumers. Key approaches include: Launching exclusive Eid collections and bundles Leveraging social media influencers and user-generated content to drive engagement Offering flexible payment options, such as 'buy now, pay later' Enhancing customer service and after-sales support Sustainability and social responsibility There is a growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical consumerism, with brands highlighting eco-friendly packaging, charitable initiatives, and local sourcing as part of their Eid campaigns. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) What are the biggest trends in Eid al-Adha shopping for 2025? The biggest trends include a 30 percent surge in online shopping, a 150 percent increase in gift demand, and a strong shift towards mobile-first shopping experiences. Consumers are also prioritizing affordability and practicality in their purchases. Which categories see the highest spending during Eid al-Adha? Fashion and apparel, gifts (especially fragrances and accessories), home décor, and food and beverages are the top spending categories during Eid al-Adha. How are economic conditions affecting Eid shopping in 2025? Rising prices and economic uncertainty are prompting consumers to be more selective, focusing on essential purchases and seeking out the best deals through discounts and promo codes. What role do mobile apps play in Eid shopping? Mobile apps are central to the Eid shopping experience, offering exclusive deals, flash sales, and a seamless user experience that caters to busy and tech-savvy consumers. Are there any new trends in Eid gifting? Yes, curated gift sets, personalized gifts, and tech gadgets are increasingly popular. The convenience of online gifting platforms and social media influence are also driving new gifting behaviors. How can brands succeed during Eid al-Adha 2025? Brands should focus on launching exclusive collections, offering app-only deals, leveraging social media marketing, and providing flexible payment and delivery options. Emphasizing sustainability and community engagement can also enhance brand reputation. Final word Eid al-Adha 2025 marks a period of dynamic change in consumer behavior, shaped by digital transformation, economic realities, and evolving cultural values. The shift towards online and mobile-first shopping, coupled with a surge in gifting and an emphasis on affordability, is redefining the festive retail landscape. Retailers and brands that adapt to these trends—offering convenience, value, and meaningful engagement—are poised to thrive during this important holiday season. As consumers continue to seek ways to celebrate generously while spending smart, the future of Eid al-Adha shopping promises both innovation and tradition in equal measure.
Arab News
30-05-2025
- General
- Arab News
‘Deeply dangerous' Islamophobia being promoted in UK: Baroness Warsi
LONDON: Baroness Warsi, a Muslim former minister in the UK, has warned that 'deeply dangerous' Islamophobic narratives are being promoted in British public discourse, The Independent reported. The House of Lords member, who was speaking at the Hay Festival — a prominent literary and arts event — compared rising Islamophobia in Britain to the treatment of Jews in 1930s Europe. In conversation with British-Israeli journalist Rachel Shabi, she described feeling 'heartbroken' at the way Muslim communities are increasingly portrayed in the UK. 'It doesn't matter how many times you serve and how many times you do what you do for our country,' she said. 'You still don't belong. You still don't matter. You still can't be trusted.' Warsi, who was discussing her new book 'Muslims Don't Matter,' described growing up in a working-class family of Pakistani origin in Yorkshire. The former co-chair of the Conservative Party said she had recently discussed with her husband whether it was necessary to prepare 'exit routes' from Britain. 'I turned to him and I said are we going to be like those Jewish families in Europe in the 1920s and 1930s, who were always sitting back, looking at the writing on the wall and thinking, 'No, we're going to be all right. We're very successful. We live in the right part of town. We're part of the establishment.' And then it will be too late. Should we be doing what everybody else around us seems to be doing right now, which is putting in place plan Bs and exit routes?' Warsi warned that negative narratives surrounding British Muslims are being driven by politicians and the media. 'The good news is this isn't bottom up,' she said. 'This isn't ordinary people sat there thinking, 'Oh, I really have an issue with Muslims and I'm now going to have quite hateful views about them.' 'This is people in power and people with big platforms constantly telling us, 'We can't trust Muslims. They're all dangerous, they're violent, the men are sexually predatory, the women are traditionally submissive.'' She added: 'It's these tropes which we're constantly being told about Muslim communities which, in the end, poisons the public discourse to a point where we start seeing this community in the worst possible light.' Warsi ended the discussion with an appeal for solidarity, and called on the British public to reject divisive narratives. 'It's time for us to organize and it's time for us to fight back, because all of our rights in the end will suffer,' she said.
The Independent
29-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Baroness Warsi compares British Islamophobia to antisemitism in 1930s Europe
Baroness Warsi has drawn a stark comparison between rising Islamophobia in Britain and the treatment of Jewish communities in 1930s Europe, warning that 'deeply dangerous' narratives are being fuelled by those in power. Speaking at the Hay Festival in Hay-on-Wye, the former Conservative cabinet minister said she was 'heartbroken' by the way Muslim communities are increasingly portrayed in public discourse. 'It doesn't matter how many times you serve and how many times you do what you do for our country,' she said, in conversation with the British-Israeli journalist Rachel Shabi. 'You still don't belong. You still don't matter. You still can't be trusted.' Warsi, who served as co-chairwoman of the Conservative Party and sits in the House of Lords, reflected on her experience growing up as a working-class, second-generation Pakistani Muslim in West Yorkshire. She described a recent conversation with her husband in which she questioned whether they should begin preparing 'exit routes'. 'I turned to him and I said, are we going to be like those Jewish families in Europe in the 1920s and 1930s, who were always sitting back, looking at the writing on the wall and thinking, 'No, we're going to be all right. We're very successful. We live in the right part of town. We're part of the establishment…' And then it will be too late. Should we be doing what everybody else around us seems to be doing right now, which is putting in place plan Bs and exit routes?' Discussing her new book Muslims Don't Matter, Warsi said there was a 'bizarre correlation with skin pigment and gratefulness' in British society. 'It's like the darker you get, the more grateful you have to be to live in your own country,' she said. She argued that negative perceptions of Muslim communities were not emerging organically but were being driven by political and media elites. 'The good news is, this is not bottom up,' she said. 'This is not ordinary people sat there thinking, 'Oh, I really have an issue with Muslims, and I'm now going to have quite hateful views about them.' This is people in power and people with big platforms constantly telling us, 'We can't trust Muslims. They're all dangerous, they're violent, the men are sexually predatory, the women are traditionally submissive.'' 'It's these tropes which we're constantly being told about Muslim communities, which, in the end, poisons the public discourse to a point where we start seeing this community in the worst possible light.' She added that some on the far-right had been 'desperate' for a recent attack in Liverpool to have been carried out by a Muslim. 'They could then say, 'Aha! Told you so.' And already the language was: we are at war. This is a divided nation. These are different people from a different culture – until we worked out that he was a white guy in his fifties.' Despite warning that the current political climate is 'deeply dangerous', with more global conflicts now than at any point since the Second World War, Warsi ended her appearance with a call for solidarity. 'This is a fight for all of us, the kind of country that we want to be,' she said. 'It's time for us to organise and it's time for us to fight back, because all of our rights in the end will suffer.'
News24
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Indian author Banu Mushtaq awarded International Booker for searing tales in Heart Lamp
Indian writer, lawyer and activist Banu Mushtaq on Tuesday won the International Booker Prize for her short story collection 'Heart Lamp.' The 77-year-old is the first author of Kannada-language literature to receive the prestigious literary award for translated fiction. At a ceremony at the Tate Modern gallery in London, Mushtaq said: This moment feels like a thousand fireflies lighting a single sky - brief, brilliant and utterly collective. 'I accept this great honour not as an individual but as a voice raised in chorus with so many others.' Mushtaq will share the £50 000 ($67 000) prize with her translator, Deepa Bhasthi, who also helped choose the stories. 'Heart Lamp' gathers 12 stories originally published between 1990 and 2023. They portray everyday life in Muslim communities of southern India, focusing on the experiences of women and girls. Critics praised the collection for its dry and gentle humour, its witty, colloquial style and its searing commentary on patriarchy, casteism and religious conservatism. Mushtaq, based in Karnataka state, southwest India, is known for her advocacy in women's rights and her legal work confronting discrimination. The jury hailed her characters - from spirited grandmothers to bumbling religious clerics – as 'astonishing portraits of survival and resilience.' 'My stories are about women – how religion, society, and politics demand unquestioning obedience from them, and in doing so, inflict inhumane cruelty upon them, turning them into mere subordinates,' she said. Max Porter, chair of the judges, hailed 'Heart Lamp' as 'something genuinely new for English readers.' 'A radical translation which ruffles language, to create new textures in a plurality of Englishes. It challenges and expands our understanding of translation.'
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Peterborough City Council adopts Islamophobia statement
A city council has agreed to adopt an Islamophobia statement in a bid to support Muslim communities in the at Peterborough City Council were asked to draft the statement following a motion at full council in June statement includes a definition of Islamophobia and sets out some of the ways Muslims are impacted by Samantha Hemraj, who introduced the item at full council on Monday, said: "The council has been working closely with the joint mosque committee, local schools, the police and health providers." She said Islamophobia could have a "serious" impact in Muslim communities."The Islamophobia statement demonstrates a council commitment to supporting Muslim communities and fits alongside broader anti-racism policies and statements," she authority said it would encourage organisations and businesses it works with to adopt the statement and commit to "tackling the prejudice and disadvantage that Muslims can face".The city has a growing Muslim to the last census in 2021, 12.2% of people living in Peterborough described themselves as Muslim, compared with the average of 6.7% across Choudhuri, chair of the Joint Mosques Council Peterborough, said he was "absolutely delighted" with the decision to adopt the said: "It is now very clear so everybody is aware of what Islamophobia is and we need to work it out together how to eradicate the hate and Islamophobia."It's what I call a stepping stone in the right direction." Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
