Chocolates of all kinds and other confectionery items have hit the market as part of preparations for Eid Al-Fitr, celebrated at the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan. Huge mounds of chocolates arranged in attractive displays at large shopping malls and grocery stores are now a common sight here. The business strategy is to grab the attention of people who are already in a festive mood, preparing to celebrate Eid with their families and friends. Stores are offering attractive gift packs that include beautifully wrapped confectionery items, along with chocolates with nuts, dried fruits and special dates stuffed with almonds and pistachios. “We offer a wide selection of confectionery items, such as lokum with pistachios, marzipan in a variety of shapes and an excellent section of chocolates,” said a vendor at a store in a shopping mall. Eid Al-Fitr is a special time when people tend to celebrate by exchanging visits with families and friends, and when visiting they like to take a gift with them, he said. Most people feel that chocolates and candies as the best gift items in keeping with the festive mood of Eid Al-Fitr, which is also an occasion to thank Allah, he added. With Eid less than two weeks away, the market is flooded with all kinds of chocolates with varying price tags. Small vendors, who want to make a quick profit during this peak business time, set up makeshift stalls every evening at market places and near mosques after Taraweeh (night prayers). __
