Ramadan is a month of devotion, spirituality, prayer, self-reflection or community buildup for Muslims worldwide. Besides, this holy month is packed with Iftar parties and loads of shopping, be that dates, grocery shopping or Eid outfits. As Ramadan is a time when families get together for Iftar and Suhoor, it requires special food preparation and families need to plan ahead to make sure they have everything covered. But here comes the bigger debate: Where do you get the best Ramadan deals: online or in-store? Let's hear different people with different preferences on this dilemma.
Fatema Fazrin Oishi, a newlywed, prefers online shopping as a lifesaver during Ramadan specially. She shares, "You can literally compare prices, get discounts and get everything delivered to your doorstep. Yes, there's a chance of getting the wrong item, but most stores have an easy return policy. After a long day of fasting, the least I want to do is battling crowds at markets. Though it's tiring, especially after Iftar, people having no other option for shopping at that time make the market-go crazy."
When the writer asked her what makes her choose online Ramadan shopping, she replied, "Convenience! I think in-store purchase is good, but it will cause you significant time allocation, and given the transportation cost, traffic congestion and the energy drop, I prefer online shopping. Yes, the delivery charges may be high, but it saves my time and energy." Asked where she found the best deals on dates and other traditional Ramadan grocery items, she elaborated, "Online stores offer great bundle deals as well as discounts on dates, lentils, nuts, vermicelli and other essentials. Not just this, these online sites send notification on flash sales, black-Friday sales which helps us save money."
Oishi offers her advice for someone looking to get the best deals during Ramadan, "Turn on notifications from your preferred online shops beforehand. They usually announce flash sales through @everyone comments to share notification of flash sale or discounted rates. It may be annoying sometimes but lets you grab your anticipated product before they stock out. Also don't forget to collect the loyalty points and compare prices on different sites. Look for sites that offer free delivery on a certain level of purchase, and if possible, grab that to have the best deals."
On the contrary, Nazma Rahman prefers in-store purchase as she has concern about online purchase for Ramadan essentials. She opts for superstores as she only trusts the quality of product she can touch and see. She further shares: "I think online shopping is for the younger generation only. And how can you be sure of the quality of the product or expiry date of a product if you can't see it with your bare eyes? I like to examine what I'm purchasing to have the best product. I need to see the expiry dates as well as the freshness of vegetables and fruits."
Then she was questioned about Ramadan deals and whether she finds it online or in-store. Her reply: Supermarkets are the best place to shop your Ramadan grocery. You can find literally everything under one roof. I follow leading supershop's facebook page to check for 'Buy One, Get One' offer or flat discounts. That way I know what and where to shop at bulk. I then go to the physical stores to buy those items."
Even for Eid gifts, Nazma prefers physical stores because the quality of gift matters. "See, I'm not saying online offers broken products every time, it's just I need to see things in person and ensure their quality. Plus, I like the experience of shopping in person. For accessories like bags, jewelry and perfumes, online deals are sometimes perfect."
She can bargain at local shops which is almost impossible at online platforms.
The writer then asks her advice for someone looking to get the best deals during Ramadan in-store, she says, "I sometimes like online given the convenience but supermarkets offer great discounts and you can be sure of the quality. Follow the social-media sites of major supershops. They frequently post Ramadan deals, promotions and discounts early and I only plan a big shopping tour based on who has the best deals. Also don't underestimate local shops as they offer relatively lower prices than competitors." But she shares her trauma with local tailors in comparison with boutiques as they behave nonchalantly even after ruining your favourite piece by charging a fortune. "Try getting your dress stitched before Eid to stop your favourite piece getting ruined. Even readymade dresses also offer great sales, so why should someone take the risk?"
Nazrul Islam, a proud boomer, doesn't in any way support superstores or online. Upon discussion on online-versus-in-store debate, Mr Islam was quite straightforward with his response: "Local market, without any doubt. These online platforms are clever with their marketing and don't provide what's portrayed and supershops on the other hand charges VAT and many other hidden taxes in the name of discount. Local shops on the other hand don't have fancy packaging but the prices are honest at least. And local shopkeepers know me by name and won't sell low-quality products, I believe."
The conversation then shifts towards his favorite Ramadan shopping, which he replied enthusiastically: "Everything! The Ramadan specials like jilapi, beguni, piyaju require quality ingredients and I can't rely on online fresh products."
Lastly, he offers insights into how local purchase aids the shopkeepers during Ramadan. These small businesses depend on the holiday season, he shares.
To cut long story short, Ramadan deals are everywhere, you just have to know where to look. Happy shopping and Ramadan Mubarak!
What's your favourite iftar item? Share with the writer at rahmanmegh1234@gmail.com