Major shopping outlets in the Eastern Province are preparing for a bumper Ramadan season. Some have already reported a jump of 60 percent in the sale of food products, according to market sources. To attract more customers, shops have been adorned with Ramadan lanterns and other similar colorful décor, and are offering everything from sweets to special drinks for Iftar. Supermarkets and other groceries are selling spices, pulses and rice in preparation for the 30-day fasting period. Most of the shopping centers, hypermarkets and supermarkets have opened special counters with only Ramadan commodities. Many have also printed special promotional brochures which are distributed to homes. Mohammed Niyas, General Manager of Nesto hypermarket group in Dammam, said that many popular products are available. “We have displayed huge stocks of items that are in high demand during the fasting month of Ramadan. Various types of dates, Sambosa wraps, spring roll wraps, dried apricots, oats, juices, and syrups which are used during the time of breaking fast. There are also various types of nuts, dried grapes, china grass, dairy products and macaroni that people buy in bulk for Ramadan.” Customers are also taking advantage of Ramadan offers and discounts by buying in bulk. An Eastern Province supermarket chain owner told Saudi Gazette that shoppers can be assured of reduced prices. There is unlikely to be a major increase in prices this year, he said.
