The week leading up to Eid is a vibrant time in the downtown areas of big Egyptian cities, akin to a bustling Thursday night that lasts around the clock. Local clothing stores in Mehatet El Raml (Downtown Alexandria) are usually packed with shoppers preparing for the festive season. Wearing new clothes on Eid is a cherished tradition that adds to the joyful atmosphere of Eid. In preparation for this season, shops all around Egypt stock their shelves with bright colored clothes and vibrant designs. However, this year, Eid is just around the corner, and it is hard not to notice that the streets and shops seem emptier than usual. To understand this unexpected atmosphere, Egyptian Streets spoke with local shopkeepers and sales associates in Mehatet El Raml to find out if people are still buying Eid outfits as much as they used to. “After Ramadan, people stopped buying. It seems like they settled for one outfit for both Eids, considering the current circumstances”, shared Aya*, a sales associate in a clothing store located in Mehatet El Raml. She revealed that the last surge of customers the shop witnessed was prior…
Are People Still Buying Eid outfits? Conversations with Alexandria’s Shopkeepers
June 25, 2023
