File photo used for representation only.
Shoppers’ rush during Eid Al Adha has propelled the sales in malls, hypermarkets and restaurants, boosting the sentiments of Qatar’s growing retail sector.
Showrooms across the country witnessed surge in footfalls that pushed up the sales during the week-long festivities. Demand was mainly high for travel related goods, according to retailers.
“We witnessed a substantial rise in footfalls during Eid Al Adha holidays. The decision to remove mandatory hotel quarantine for vaccinated travellers is a positive announcement and was taken at the right time,” manager of a hypermarket told The Peninsula. “This announcement came before the start of Eid Al Adha holiday which encouraged residents to make their travel plans. We saw surge in sale of travel related items such as bags, mobiles, tablets, toys and other items which can be gifted to family and friends,” he added.
Removal of mandatory hotel quarantine for travellers has been a major factor behind jump in sales.
Before July 12, it was mandatory for travellers coming from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Philippines to undergo 10-day hotel quarantine. But new travel policy, effective from July 12, has removed the requirement of mandatory hotel quarantine for fully vaccinated travellers.
Retailers expect customer demand to rise and sales to improve further in the coming months as schools reopen. Reopening of schools is a major event for retailers as they launch ‘Back to School’ campaign. Sales before the schools’ reopening go up significantly.
Customer demand in the retail sector has been rising continuously since the gradual easing of COVID-19 related restrictions.
“The situation has improved gradually with decline in COVID-19 cases and lifting of restrictions. Now children are also allowed to dine in which is a big boost for all restaurants. We have seen more families coming to the restaurant,” said Tariq from Mazza Restaurant in Old Airport.
Relaxing of restrictions and promotions offered at malls have been observed driving footfall during the second quarter of this year.
However, regional and community malls and unorganised retail spaces recuperated at a slower rate compared to super-regional malls, said retail sector experts.
“Occupancy for the retail sector was estimated at 70 percent during the second quarter.
“However, there is divergence in the recovery of sales with existing super-regional shopping centres recuperating faster compared to regional/community malls and unorganised retail spaces,” Pawel Banach, General Manager, ValuStrat told The Peninsula.
