Ramadan Business in Hyderabad Sees a Surge in Sales and Market Activity
Ramadan Business in Hyderabad experiences a massive boom every year, bringing economic prosperity alongside spiritual devotion. Hyderabad, known for its grand celebrations during Ramadan, witnesses a sharp increase in business activity from small shops to large shopping malls. This year, the Telangana government has allowed shops to remain open 24 hours, providing traders with an excellent opportunity to maximize sales. The move has not only boosted business activities but has also made shopping more convenient for customers.
Small Shops Thrive as Ramadan Business in Hyderabad Grows
From the beginning of Ramadan, small shops see a significant rise in footfall. The demand for clothing, footwear, food items, dates, perfumes, and other Ramadan essentials surges. Old City areas such as Charminar, Madina Building, and Pathergatti remain crowded late into the night. Similarly, Abids, Nampally, Tolichowki, and Mehdipatnam also experience festive shopping fever comparable to Old City.
Traders’ Perspective
Small business owners report that sales during Ramadan are three to four times higher than on regular days. Many clothing stores offer special “Ramadan discounts,” attracting more customers. Mohammed Naziruddin, the proprietor of ‘New ZMR Collection’ in Malakpet, stated that while business remains steady in the early days of Ramadan, it peaks during the last ten days, increasing by 70-80%. He noted that trending women’s clothing includes palazzo suits, ghararas, shararas, and Pakistani dresses. Interestingly, women’s apparel costs more than men’s. While no special offers are introduced, loyal customers receive discounts. Naziruddin also acknowledged that online shopping has affected his readymade garment business.
Apart from clothing, grocery stores also see a surge in business during Ramadan. The famous wholesale grocery stores near Nampally’s Murghi Market cater to increased demand. Syed Amjad, owner of ‘S. Amjad Kirana Store,’ operating since 2001, mentioned that sales of biryani ingredients spike during the last few days of Ramadan. While dal (lentils) and cooking oil see higher demand, prices have remained stable this year, unlike previous years when dal prices used to rise.
Similarly, Mohammed Hamid, proprietor of ‘Best Kirana Store’ in Red Hills, agreed that sales of oil and lentils have increased. He noted that unlike previous years, cooking oil prices have not seen a significant hike this Ramadan. However, he expects a slight increase in the coming days. He also stated that dry fruits sales peak towards the end of the month. Though no exclusive offers are introduced, they provide special discounts to compete in the market.
Big Shopping Malls and Exclusive Ramadan Offers
Large clothing stores and malls in Hyderabad announce special discounts and promotional offers during Ramadan. Store managements report that customer footfall significantly increases from evening until Suhoor. To facilitate customers, special parking and security arrangements are made, though congested areas like Old City, Mehdipatnam, and Tolichowki often struggle with parking issues.
Top Shopping Destinations in Hyderabad During Ramadan
Hyderabad offers a diverse range of shopping options, catering to both budget and luxury shoppers. Several malls specialize in affordable clothing, particularly for women, while others focus on branded and high-end apparel. These malls attract huge crowds during Ramadan due to the latest fashion trends and brand popularity. Additionally, many malls offer special discounts on traditional Islamic attire, such as kurta-pajamas, sherwanis, topis, and waistcoats during Ramadan.
Footwear Sales Surge During Ramadan Business in Hyderabad
One of the most famous places for footwear shopping in Hyderabad is the Medina Building and Delhi Darwaza market in Old City. This market is known for offering a wide variety of footwear, and many customers place custom orders. ‘A.K. Royal Step,’ a renowned footwear shop in this market, sees tremendous demand during Ramadan.
Shop owner Umar Khan shared that people from not only Hyderabad but also from other parts of Telangana and even different states visit the market to buy specific types of footwear. Popular choices during Ramadan include Peshawari sandals, Nagra sandals, loafers, Kolhapuri chappals, and Jalsa footwear. He noted that business increases by nearly 80-90% during Ramadan. However, he admitted that online shopping has affected physical store sales by about 20-25%. Despite this, demand for custom-designed traditional footwear remains strong. He expressed optimism that the Telangana government’s decision to allow shops to remain open 24 hours during Ramadan would help business owners recover losses due to inflation.
Major Business Sectors Flourishing During Ramadan
Several business sectors witness significant profit growth during Ramadan, including:
- Clothing and Fashion: High sales of traditional outfits such as salwar suits, abayas, kurta-pajamas, sherwanis, and other festive clothing.
- Perfumes and Fragrances: Increased demand for attar (traditional perfume), especially Arabic and Western fragrances.
- Food Items: High sales of dates, sherbets, sweets, and other Iftar and Suhoor-related products.
- Jewelry and Gifts: Increased shopping for jewelry and gifts for Eid celebrations.
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Late-Night Shopping and Customer Preferences
Hyderabadis prefer shopping late at night during Ramadan. Many people visit markets after Taraweeh prayers, making it a peak shopping time. Women and children’s shopping remains a priority, with families ensuring they buy new clothes, shoes, and accessories in time for Eid.
Hyderabadi resident Abida Begum shared her experience, stating, “Finding time for shopping amidst Ramadan prayers and fasting is challenging, so we prefer shopping after Taraweeh. Late-night hours are the best time for Ramadan and Eid shopping.”
Ramadan Business in Hyderabad continues to thrive as the festive spirit fuels shopping and business activities. With small vendors, wholesale markets, and shopping malls witnessing booming sales, the city’s economy flourishes during this sacred month.
