Sales of both consumer and none-consumer goods had shot up. Gift items have seen a spike in recent days. Pic: Salim Matramkot
Doha: Retail businesses in Qatar have received a fresh boost from the higher demand for consumer and non-consumer commodities since the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Sales during Ramadan surge particularly after dusk as shoppers throng markets having broken fast.
Doha has been one bustling town in the recent days with people seen walking into eateries and takeaways even at late night.
“We have seen a phenomenal growth in sales during this year’s Ramadan which could be due to the growing number of expatriates in the country, said Bad Dahadur Shresthd, a sales official at Papa John’s Pizza, Old Airport.
Recent reports show that sales of both consumer and non -consumer goods had shot up sharply during the Holy Month. According to a forecast gold prices are said to rise by over 50 percent during Ramadan.
Competition and special promotional offers to woo shoppers during the month help push sales volumes encouraging business establishments to hire more employees which would eventually trigger a host of benefits to the economy.
“Our sales have always been good but in the recent days it has been high especially due to the Ramadan demand,” said Siraj Jedeer of the Century Restaurant at Old Airport.
Food and beverage is not the only sector that benefits during the season but also gifts and souvenir items which have a sentimental value.
Gift items have seen a spike in recent days and this could be due to the Ramadan said a salesman at a souvenir shop at The Mall Doha.
Sweets, a delicacy to enjoy limitlessly too are in big demand and go like hot cakes during Ramadan.
A sale official of Patchi at The Mall Doha said sales have been good so far and added that it would turn out to be better in the days ahead.
Gold dealers at Souq Waqif said sales have been picking up and added that it would be better in the coming days.
Gold has been one of the oldest means of exchange and is considered a safe investment during times of uncertainty.
The precious metal is also considered a safe haven when there is a higher risk for other investment assists such as the US dollar and also when inflation surges.
Gold prices are inversely related to the US dollar since the metal is dollar denominated.
