Sunday Bazar: Affordable Retail Therapy

Text and research by Taimur Nadeem & Afia Iftikhar Photography by Qirat Raza & Sara Batool

Shop till you drop: Where dreams come true on a tight budget

The rise in inflation, and the financial crunches in the times of COVID, have made shopping a less impulsive and more careful exercise. The team behind this photo essay decided to do some research about where to head for some affordable shopping, and Sunday Bazar came to the rescue. Not only is it budget-friendly but also very convenient with variety available—just name it, and they have it. In addition, it is an open air bazar, which is safer than a closed air-conditioned mall with regards to transmission of the virus.

The focus on Sunday bazars dwindled when the famous Itwaar Bazar of Karachi’s posh area was shutdown. With this photo essay, the team aims to bring back the limelight which this weekend market deserves, to remind the reader that Sunday Bazars still continue to exist and thrive in various parts of the metropolis.

Here is a synopsis of how one can go on a shopping spree with just Rs1000 to spend.

Upon entering the uncelebrated Sunday Bazar, one is greeted by the eager the shopkeepers ready to sell their inventories at lower prices, primarily due to the Covid-19 financial crisis. “It’s associated with the lockdown” says the local vendors at Sunday Bazar unanimously.

The first stall visited by the team was of unstitched women’s clothes and cotton prints. The fancy prints ranged from Rs400–600 for a suit of five meters. Since buying even one of those suits meant spending over 40% of the Rs1000 budget, the team changed its direction towards other stalls.

Good quality and captivating designs at a lower price

The jewellery and accessories section of the bazar is vibrant and inviting, especially for women, with a stall full of bangles, and a shop offering various types of earrings—from dangles to jackets, huggies to teardrops, and ear cuffs to hoops. And very low-priced. Potential buyers may assume that the quality would be compromised with such a low price. But the quality is as good as one can get at any extravagant jewellery store.

A glimpse of traditionally beautiful and colourful bangles with unique designs

A stall, full of unique earrings

An aged man, selling small 3D art trucks, had a steal in store. The team bought one of those tiny yet alluring 3D art trucks of Karachi's famous W11 for only Rs300.

“You people are just like my kids; grab whatever piece you like—it’s all handmade,” said the vendor.

Walking through the bazar, the best part is not just the low prices, but also the stories of the people. Vendors were selling their products with smiles on their faces despite finding it hard to make ends meet—leaving one both heartbroken and eager to buy from them.

Just a vendor who wanted his Facebook profile updated

With the winter season’s entry, a wide variety of comfortable and colourful yarns and wools are available for the aspiring knitters and weavers. The team bought the grey and charcoal-coloured wool, which cost Rs150.

So many beautiful colours to choose from

A wide variety of laces ranging from Chantilly lace to edging lace

One might not want to miss out on a chance to buy Dior’s sunglasses—copies, but good ones—at reasonable prices. But the purchasing process might prove to be a hassle for an impatient buyer. The shopkeeper wanted Rs500 for it, but the team bargained for at least 10 minutes; eventually, the deal was finalized at Rs150.

The enthusiasm over selling these Dior sunglasses may not be evident from his facial expression, but the seller was very excited

A small packet of dry fruits—an expensive snack—for just Rs100. A trendy dupatta for Rs150. An exclusive keychain with the buyer’s first name on it for Rs50. And colourful glass bangles for Rs100.

This lady, attired in a vibrant, floral saree, sells dry fruit

Different names engraved on key chains costing Rs50 per piece only

This concluded the team’s shopping spree on a budget of rupees 1k. Given that the lockdowns and COVID restrictions have affected the economy, and people are deprived of social outings, a visit to an open air market­ on the weekend is both economically feasible, as well as an enjoyable experience.