With just a few more days left for Ramadan to come to a close, retailers are witnessing a shift in residents’ buying pattern as the faithful get ready to welcome Eid Al Fitr festivities.

Retailers taking part in the ongoing Ramadan and Eid Fair at Expo Centre Sharjah said if it was household and food products which were much in demand during Ramadan, they are now seeing a gradual shift in buying to clothes, jewellery, gift items and luxury products to celebrate Eid.

Moreover, the multitude of entertainment activities being held on the sidelines of the Ramadan & Eid Fair has also got more popular among visitors to the show, so much so that at times there are queues to activities like amusement rides, face painting, balloon twisting, game organizing, magic shows and quiz contests.

The show, which got under way on July 26 and will run until August 19, is also receiving a steady stream of visitors, with weekends seeing larger crowds looking to make the most of best-in-the-town bargains and products that are most in demand during Ramadan.

“Ramadan is that time of the year when a typical Muslim family’s spending more than doubles compared to other months. The consumerism during the period is fuelled by traditions that are popular among many families, such as having guests for Iftar throughout the month,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, director-general, Expo Centre Sharjah.