Shoppers Throng Nilai 3 For Aidilfitri Preparations

NILAI, March 15 (Bernama) -- The Nilai 3 Business Centre here is bustling with shoppers not only from across Negeri Sembilan but also neighbouring states who have been arriving since last week to purchase items in preparation for Aidilfitri.

A Bernama survey found that outlets selling clothing, carpets, curtains, tableware and home decorations were among the most popular as shoppers searched for household necessities ahead of Syawal.

The lively atmosphere is typically seen during festive seasons, when visitors take the opportunity to purchase a wide range of goods offered at more affordable prices.

Clothing trader Muhammad Khani Khan Muhammad Syah, 23, said the number of customers visiting his shop has increased significantly since last week, with many purchasing baju kurung, kurta, baju Melayu and headscarves for the upcoming celebration.

“Customer traffic has increased by more than 100 per cent. Usually, it is only busy on weekends, but now visitors come almost every day. Alhamdulillah,” he said when met by Bernama here.

Carpet trader Hassan Karimi, 42, said sales at his shop have also been encouraging, particularly for Dubai, Tatami, Velvet and Turkish carpets priced between RM20 and RM900 depending on the type and size.

“In the past it was quite difficult to sell even 10 carpets a day, but since last week many customers have been coming in and sales have more than doubled,” said the trader, who has been in the business for more than a decade.

Meanwhile, visitor Nurul Aisyah Mohd Ghazali, 34, said she chose to shop at the centre with her family due to the wide variety of household items available at more reasonable prices.

The Gombak, Selangor resident said despite having to endure traffic congestion, especially during weekends, she was willing to travel there to purchase carpets and curtains for the festive season.

“If we buy from other shops, an XXL-sized Dubai carpet can cost up to RM150, but here we can get it for around RM60, which is very economical,” said the mother of two.

Another visitor, homemaker Latifah Baba from Melaka, said although some items have seen slight price increases during the festive period, they remain cheaper compared with other shops.

Latifah, 58, who visits the business centre at least once every two months to buy headscarves and jubah, said the variety and prices continue to attract shoppers.

“Normally, a three-layer slip-on headscarf sells for about RM49 elsewhere, but here it can be bought for between RM28 and RM30. If you are good at bargaining, you might even get it cheaper,” she added.

-- BERNAMA