Manama Souq back on track after summer slump
After enduring a tough summer, the change of season is bringing life back to Manama Traditional market.
During the hot summer months, Manama Souq experienced a difficult time as shoppers shunned the Souq for modern alternatives such as shopping malls and shopping centres. Now, the shoppers have started returning to the Souq as the temperature and humidity came down considerably.
Speaking to DT News, Manama Traditional Market Committee Deputy Chairman Mahmood Al Namliti said that he had seen a surge in visitors in the past one week.
“In the summer, we could not attract the crowd that we wanted. It was so hot and obviously the Souq is not conditioned for customers. So the shoppers opted to go to the big malls and shopping complexes where they enjoyed the benefit of air conditioned atmosphere,” he said adding, “At the moment the crowd is increasing and as a result the business is improving,” he said.
“We see more tourists coming. There are a lot of Europeans coming, especially
Germans. The business is improving for everyone here. The restaurants are prospering, there has been an increase in the number of customers for sweets, and other food items,” he said.
He stated that the Souq is preparing for a special campaign next month.
“In December, we will host a couple of events. We will be inviting Bahraini artists and talents. We will also be involved in the Bahrain shopping festival “Shop Bahrain” organised by Tamkeen, which will be a great attraction for shoppers.”
“We are also decorating some of the traditional shops--around 15 coffee shops will be decorated in a traditional theme, where old photographs of Bahrain and historic personalities of Bahrain will be exhibited. We are also planning on having a programme for the physically challenged. They will be given a tour inside the Souq and hopefully they will have a great time,” he added.
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