Consumers reported that household spending decreased significantly on specific items during the current Ramadan, while it increased on other items as a result of the repercussions of the new Corona virus, identifying 13 items that decreased spending, compared to seven items that increased spending on them.
They clarified, for «Emirates Today», that the most prominent items in which spending was reviewed included: fuel, eating abroad, traveling, and going to entertainment cities, commercial centers and cafes, noting at the same time that the most prominent items that increased spending were: food and drink, buying sterilizers and tools Personal hygiene and communication services upgrade.
Two experts in retail trade called on families to reconsider their priority arrangement, especially in many aspects of unnecessary entertainment spending and reduce it and direct part of the spending to save.
The fuel
In detail, the consumer, Abdul Rahman Khalil, said that his family’s spending on fuel decreased due to the little use of his vehicle, as a result of the commitment to stay at home and not to go out except for necessity, in addition to that his work and the work of his wife became remote, and that the study of his children also became remote, in light of the precautionary measures Prevention from the new epidemic of "Corona".
He added that the fuel was a tangible share of the family’s spending, given that his residence is far from his workplace, and that his children's schools and commercial centers in the city are also far from his place of residence, which requires using the car to reach it.
eat the food
For its part, the consumer, Maitha Saeed, said that the family’s spending on a lot of items decreased with a commitment not to leave the house except for necessity only, and not to eat outside, in addition to reducing requests for food delivery (delivery) except in the narrowest limits, noting that children’s expenses decreased Also, where the school of its children returned part of the tuition fees after the commencement of distance education.
"On the other hand, the spending increased to buy food and drink supplies and upgrade some telecommunications services to keep up with education and work remotely, in addition to buying some sports equipment to exercise at home after the gyms are closed," she added.
Entertainment
The consumer, Jalal Muhammad Gharib, reported that his family’s spending on entertainment declined due to the closure of cities and entertainment destinations, as well as the closing of commercial centers during the past period, pointing out that even after opening some commercial centers, going to buy only the necessary goods and go to limited stores only, also not Hours are spent, lots of goods are bought, and food is eaten at the mall as before.
On the other hand, he added, the spending increased on buying food and drink supplies, subscribing to entertainment channels and buying toys for his young children to spend time at home.
Clothes and shoes
In turn, the consumer Akram Seddik said that family spending decreased on several items, the most important of which is not eating breakfast in Ramadan outside the home and not holding banquets, as a commitment to social distancing, as spending on clothing, shoes and cosmetics decreased as a result of not leaving the house, in addition to providing a side of The expenses of private lessons because they have become remotely and their prices are lower, as they are indirect, in addition to reducing the number of subjects that are taught in some classes.
He added that going to cafes and "cafes" during Ramadan was a major item in his spending previously, but this item was now completely canceled, and it was replaced by some household drinks.
A friend pointed out that, in return, spending increased to buy food and drink supplies, buy sterilizers and antiseptics, upgrade some communications services and subscribe to entertainment channels after closing the cinemas.
Travel
As for the consumer, Qusai Hamza, he said that his spending declined in several items, the most important of which is traveling abroad, as he used to spend the month of Ramadan with his family in his country, but he did not travel after the flights stopped, and he also decreased his spending on international calls to check on the parents after the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority was made available Many good communication applications in the country, indicating at the same time that he does not go to cafes and cinemas.
However, Hamzah explained that his family's spending increased on some things, notably disinfectants, sterilizers, personal hygiene tools and the purchase of sports equipment.
The consumer, Amr Samir, confirmed that his family spent less on food this Ramadan, unlike usual, due to the lack of breakfast in restaurants, and the lack of breakfast banquets, as a commitment to social distancing.
He pointed out that part of his spending went to buy children's toys for his children, given their presence at home, and not allowing them to go out unless absolutely necessary.
Big change
In addition, retail trade expert Ibrahim Al-Bahr said that the current Ramadan witnessed a great change in the habits of citizens and residents alike, due to the precautionary and preventive measures of the new Corona.
He said that part of the household spending retreated on many items in which some families were spending a lot of money without thinking, and they believed essential things that cannot be dispensed, while spending on other new items increased, pointing out that these items differ from one family to another and from One to another.
The sea called on families to take advantage of this period to reconsider their priorities, especially many unnecessary entertainment expenditures and reduce them, and direct part of them to save, in anticipation of the future that has changed and has become shrouded in mystery for many as a result of the global economic recession and companies working conditions, stressing that saving is no longer A luxury in these circumstances, but rather a necessity.
Chance
For his part, retail expert, Davy Nagpal, said that there is a need not to spend the entire income and direct part of it to saving, in light of the current circumstances, and the repercussions that accompanied the Corona epidemic, which causes some doubts surrounding the future, in light of laying off some employees , Or reduce their salaries around the world.
He added that the epidemic is an opportunity to review unnecessary incomes and dispense with them, and direct them to savings to secure the future of children, at a time when the global economy and employment opportunities go through many challenges.
moderation
The Ministry of Economy had previously demanded that families not exaggerate spending during Ramadan, adhere to the monthly budget set for spending, within the salary framework, and not increase or change the budget for family spending.
The Ministry stressed the importance of not spending the salary to buy goods and products that the family does not need, simply because there are discounts or special offers on them, while committing to rational spending.
The 13 items
- The fuel.
- Eating out.
Food delivery requests.
Banqueting.
- Travel.
- private lessons.
- Visiting recreational cities.
Visiting commercial centers.
- The cafes.
- Clothes and shoes.
- makeup.
- Cinemas.
- International calls.
The 7 items
- Food and drinks.
Sterilizers and disinfectants.
- personal hygiene tools.
- Upgrading telecommunications services.
Subscribe to entertainment channels.
Purchase of sports equipment.
- Kids Games.