Raya Shoppers Hit Their Stride
By Shareen Han, Norhayati Zalani and Khairunnisa Ibrahim

Bandar Seri Begawan - All roads leading to major shopping centres have been congested in the last few days as locals and foreigners alike rushed to stock up supplies for the coming Aidilfitri celebrations, while others took advantage of the attractive offers held specifically for the festive season.

Large crowds thronged the nation's supermarkets and retail outlets, with long queues of people waiting their turn at the payment counters and shopping carts filled to the brim.

More were seen entering and browsing through shoes, textiles and accessories stores. Many left with shopping bags carrying their latest purchases. For a father of three sons, Haji Mohammad, and his wife, Siti Aliah, their last minute shopping spree was a yearly tradition.

"We have always started preparing for Raya quite early, but there are always some things that we need to buy at the last minute," Haji Mohammad said. Rina Ismail, 18, filled her cart with baking ingredients and other food items at one of the shopping centres in Gadong.

Her family is holding an open house on the fourth day of Syawal, and she planned to bake cakes to serve their guests. "I've already bought shoes and headscarves for Raya, so now I'm just getting the things I need for our open house."

Goldsmiths and jewellery shops also enjoyed brisk business as people perused the merchandise on display and bought adornments to further enhance their appearances this festive season.

Hjh Maznah Hj Yusof, 56, purchased gold necklaces for her young granddaughters, and explained that it was a tradition in her family to buy such ornaments during this festive season. "These are my gifts for my children and grandchildren, which they, can consider as keepsakes as they grow older," she said.

The florists in Brunei too are busy meeting orders for those looking for the perfect floral centrepieces.

Tina, one of the managing partners of Ken Florist & Nursery said they have received about 100 orders daily.

"Our sales have improved significantly as compared with normal days. Most Bruneians order fresh flower arrangements for special occasions like Hari Raya," she said.

The owner of Neptune Enterprise at Plaza Athirah said that there has been a surge of customers ordering flowers and requesting for home deliveries.

"When it is fast approaching Hari Raya, we usually have a lot of customers placing last-minute orders, as most of them wanted fresh flowers two days before the Hari Raya celebrations," said the owner of Neptune, who has been in the flower business for more than 20 years. She added that Neptune delivers flower baskets to about 30 houses each day.  -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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