KARACHI: The purchase of shoes at leading shoe outlets through credit cards (plastic money) increased from 5 percent to 7-8 percent as against the last Eidul Fitr season, shoes outlet managers have informed. The mounting use of plastic money by commercial banks’ customers is on one hand safer than carrying cash from snatching while it’s use in purchasing articles has been considered plus points standing for credit card users offered by all commercial banks. Credit cards are more convenient for the upper class as well as middle class segment of the society, as they don’t have to carry loose cash with them and can shop as much as they can without any hassle. The owners of different shoe outlets were of the view that last year during Ramadan, sale of shoes recorded some 20 percent increase, adding that usual momentum in sales come after Ramadan 20. According to shoe outlets managers, this Ramadan they have noticed around 6-7 percent increase comparing last sales of men, ladies and children’s shoes on credit cards. The shoe outlets in various parts of city’s shopping malls and leading markets on Zaibun Nisa Street, Tariq Road, Hyderi Market, Gulistan-e-Jauher including English Boot House (EBH) with eleven outlets in the city, Sputnik with four outlets, Fitrite footwear with two sales centres, British Footwear Store, Khan and Company, Alimson and General Boot House have also offered discount on their sales. One of the directors at EBH said, “Our grandfather established this showroom some 100 years ago. Now we are running a limited company under this very name with several outlets in other developed areas of the city.” We offer quality products at reasonable prices with manufacturing taking place both at Pakistan and abroad, mainly Italy, France and other countries. Due to liberal credit policy and higher numbers of cardholders, shopping through this medium has witnessed an increase, he added, The managers of these shoe outlets said that they have to employ extra workforce in Ramadan to cater the needs of increased turnout of the customers. Sputnik executive manager told, “This year around 20 percent customers out of the total turnout used their credit cards for purchase. Other than Ramadan days’ shopping, we have observed around 10 percent use of plastic money by customers as well. Due to slightly higher prices of shoes, the amount of these shoe outlets has further witnessed an increase. More credit cards are roaming in the markets this year due to easy policies of commercial banks. The Fitrite Footwear manager maintained that the outlet has competitive prices of shoes and was greatly able to compete with other leading shoe stores especially during Ramadan sale. Fitrite has cut the rates in order to attract more buyers for the best local and imported shoes, he informed. We also deal in imported leather and artificial leather shoes besides quality homemade shoes on orders. More than 15 percent buyers among the total turnout up till now were using credit cards at our shop, he added. Our outlets have so far observed an increase of more than 5 percent in sale this Ramadan. “We have to employ more salesmen on daily basis to cater to the growing number of customers.” A responsible at Khan and Company said the forefathers of the owners set this business up some 87 years ago, adding that sale volume slightly increased this season as compared to the previous year’s sale, besides profit margin has also fractionally increased due to slightly higher price of shoes this year. A wholesale merchant at Shoes Selection said the prices of shoes at Mod Shoes, Shoe Corner, Metro Shoes and other such outlets range between Rs 1,800 to Rs 3,500 a pair for all. Sales of shoes at Millennium Shoes, Step In Shoes, Aleena Shoes and Stylish Shoes registered a slight increase of around 7-8 percent as compared to the last season, said managers of these outlets. Besides Ladies and children shoes of China and Thai origin have also witnessed an increase due to their attractive designs and pocket-friendly prices, revealed by salesmen at several shoes stores and roadside outlets in city’s bazaars. Published in Daily Times, June 25th, 2017.