By Majd Othman

KUWAIT: The prices of accessories, clothing and related products are falling due to plenty of summer discounts and offers, in addition to the advent of Eid Al-Fitr, when people usually buy new outfits for themselves and their children, not to mention the travel season is in full swing. The affordable prices are attracting buyers from all segments of society and of all ages to well-known retail outlets that are providing good deals at tempting rates. But it has been noticed by buyers that these discounted products include lots of stocked items, outdated designs, items for winter, and in some cases, of low-quality fabrics.

Kuwait Times asked people whether they are truly benefiting from the high sale season that takes place twice a year, and are retailers really providing good deals that include new designs or items in demand. Eyad Abdullah said buyers usually take advantage of the discounts these retail markets are offering. But he pointed out some popular retail outlets since the past few years are providing customers overstocked items. “Popular items are usually not included in the sale,” he said. He said the trick is in the attractive offers they give to people, even for old items.

“I bought a shirt a year ago for around KD 15 with a nice fabric. Now the same item without a variety of sizes is for around KD 3 only. If I hadn’t bought it before, for sure I will buy it now if I find my size,” he said. He said discounts on old designs is not a scam, but “the real scam is that they don’t offer us at the same time items with new designs or products that people want to buy”. “People get obsessive about shopping during sale periods, and that’s how retail shops are taking advantage of them. Some places offer defective items on sale, and they tell us there are discounts,” Amina Abdulrahman said.

Maryam Al-Aqeel told Kuwait Times she used to spend lots of money during the sale season, as she thought she was winning by buying discounted items. “Over time, I noticed I was buying things I don’t need just because they were discounted. I also became aware that most of the things I need are not discounted,” she said. Abdulrahman pointed out that in recent years, she and many of her family members have realized that after the discount season, in-demand items come back to shops without any offers or discounts.

And because people want these items, they buy them even if they are overpriced, she said. Consumerism in Kuwait has been rising for many reasons, including the spread of retail outlets, an obsession to own everything and abundant cash flows. Kuwait Times visited several retailers in local malls to ask whether the discounts they offered were a farce, but they refused to talk.