The holy month of Ramadan is not just a time for Muslims worldwide to observe fasting and engage in acts of charity. It is also the busiest period for merchants in key markets across the globe. In Indonesia, Tanah Abang Market has emerged as a hotspot for traders during Ramadan. With its vast array of goods ranging from clothing to food, the market has experienced a surge in demand, with some traders reportedly earning up to Rp12mn per day. This article explores the reasons behind this surge in activity and its implications for Indonesian traders.
Retailers in Tanah Abang Market, Central Jakarta are experiencing a surge in sales turnover due to Ramadan, particularly ahead of Eid al-Fitr. Clothing traders in the market are capitalizing on the increased demand for new clothes during the Eid holiday celebration. According to a male seller of men’s clothing named Al, his sales turnover before the fasting month was Rp2 million per day, but now he can earn up to Rp12 million per day. He stated that during Ramadan, his turnover can reach Rp11-12 million on weekdays, and even more on weekends.
Al’s shop was highly crowded one week before Ramadan, and his sales soared in line with the rising demand for clothing ahead of Eid. He explained that he sells jackets, hoodies, bomber jackets, and parachute jackets ranging in price from Rp150,000 to Rp250,000. Along with Al, a seller of Muslim women’s clothing named Bram also recorded a surge in sales turnover. In normal months, he could earn Rp700,000-1,500,000; however, during Ramadan, his sales turnover ranges from Rp1.5-2 million on weekdays and up to Rp3 million on Saturdays and Sundays.
Similarly, a seller of children’s clothing at Southeast Asia’s largest textile market named Madin also reported an increase in sales turnover during Ramadan. On weekdays, his turnover reached Rp6 million, but it could be up to Rp10 million on weekends. The Tanah Abang Market seller commented that the second week of Ramadan is the busiest shopping day, with turnover potentially reaching up to Rp15 million on weekends.
Ramadan is an important month for the Muslim community as it is a time of fasting, reflection, and spiritual growth. The celebration of Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is an occasion for Muslims to come together and celebrate with family, friends, and loved ones. As part of the celebration, new clothes are worn, and gifts are exchanged with loved ones.
In Indonesia, it is common for people to shop for new clothes ahead of Eid al-Fitr, commonly known as Lebaran. Many Indonesians view buying new clothes as a tradition to mark the end of Ramadan and a way to show respect for the occasion. Thus, retailers in Tanah Abang Market are taking advantage of this opportunity by increasing their stock of clothing and extending their trading hours.
However, the market has its own challenges. The crowds in Tanah Abang Market can be overwhelming during Ramadan, which can lead to difficulties in finding parking and navigating through the market. Also, not all sellers in the market may offer high-quality clothing, as some may sell counterfeit items.
Despite these challenges, Tanah Abang Market remains a popular destination for shoppers during Ramadan. The market offers a wide variety of clothing options at affordable prices, which is ideal for those who are looking to buy new clothes for the Eid celebration.
In conclusion, the surge in sales turnover experienced by retailers at Tanah Abang Market during Ramadan highlights the importance of the clothing industry in Indonesia’s economy. As many Indonesians view buying new clothes as a tradition to mark the end of Ramadan, the clothing market has become an essential part of the country’s retail industry. However, it is essential to maintain a balance between affordability and quality so that buyers can ensure that they purchase credible items.
