MUSCAT: Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide. It is a sacred period characterized by spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and heightened devotion. Muslims observe fasting from dawn until sunset, refraining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs during daylight hours. However, Ramadan is not solely about abstaining from food and drink; it also emphasizes the practice of self-discipline, empathy, and increased acts of charity and kindness.
During this holy month, the market undergoes a unique transformation to cater to the needs of fasting Muslims.
"The market prepares itself to serve customers during Ramadan by extending operating hours, offering special Ramadan deals, creating a festive atmosphere, providing diverse product offerings, and initiating increased charity initiatives," explained Manoj Didwania, the director of Ripples, a prominent chain of garment stores in Oman and the UAE.
Overall, the market adapts to the distinctive demands of Ramadan, ensuring that fasting individuals have access to essential items while also fostering opportunities for celebration, generosity, and community engagement.
Shopping for clothes is one of the most cherished traditions during Ramadan, and retailers and large shopping malls employ creative methods to attract shoppers.
Retailers and markets across Oman are fully prepared to witness a consistent spending pattern during the holy month of Ramadan, primarily driven by locals and residents.
Didwania expressed that there is an increasing number of shoppers who choose to celebrate the holy month with their loved ones. It is anticipated that there will be a surge in shopping during this sacred time. Many retailers in Oman have also shared similar sentiments and have observed positive growth throughout the holy month, thanks to attractive retail promotions and offers.
Didwania further emphasized that Ramadan is a time for sharing, caring, and inspiring people to purchase gifts for their friends and families on the occasion of Eid. The retail sector in Oman is always prepared to cater to this market, and in light of this auspicious occasion, several big chains, including Ripples, offer rewarding experiences for shoppers through various promotions and offers.
He added that buying a new product symbolizes the spirit of celebration, and Ripples, being a leading destination for garment shopping, offers a diverse range of clothes to cater to different preferences.
Apart from promotions and offers, Ramadan also witnesses a shift in shopping patterns, with most purchases being made at night after Iftar (break of fast). In response to this, many shops and malls have extended their operating hours.
The director of Ripples highlighted that over the past few years, Ripples has become a value store, serving all segments of the local and expatriate community. With 14 stores across Oman and the UAE, the success can be attributed to the dedicated in-house designing and manufacturing team in Bangladesh, which puts in a lot of effort to bring new designs that cater to the latest needs of their loyal clients.
Mohammed, manager at Al Haseena Jewellery in Muscat, said: “Ramadan is one of the important seasons for traders of gold and jewellery, as the market experiences positive sales, especially during the last ten days of Ramadan in the run-up to Eid al Fitr, the time when people buy gifts for their families and loved ones.”
Mohammed said that despite the rise in gold prices he expected gold and jewellery sales to increase by 3-5 per cent compared with the month-long period of Ramadan last year.
He pointed out that people consider gold a safe haven, and therefore, in the light of the global uncertainty, people prefer to buy gold, as it is the most trusted product.
Another manager working at a leading supermarket said: “For the retail sector, it’s an opportunity to serve the locals and residents who find Oman the perfect place to spend their time in spiritual and festive activities.”
A leading representative of an automobile company said: “We expect an increase in sales in the first two weeks of Ramadan.
“It has been a tradition of sorts in Oman to purchase new vehicles during the holy month of Ramadan. We also have special offers during this month.”
Another representative of a popular mall, who requested anonymity said: “Ramadan is a period of festivity and celebration for shopping malls across the country. There is a consistent buzz of activity and festivity that, while is still respectful to the traditions and customs of Ramadan, is also entertaining and appealing at the same time which attracts visitors to the mall.”
“Our shopping malls are designed and tailored to offer complete lifestyle experiences, which attract millions of visitors all year long. We roll out promotions, in line with our commitment to create great moments, for everyone, every day.”
J Kumar, an employee at a currency exchange, emphasized the significance of Ramadan for the money exchange industry. He anticipates a rise in remittances from expatriates in Oman this year, attributing it to the diverse nationalities residing in the country who send money to their families and friends before Eid Al Fitr.
The market adjusts to the specific needs of Ramadan, ensuring that fasting individuals can access necessary goods and fostering opportunities for celebration, generosity, and community involvement.
