Tailoring shops in the major commercial streets across Doha have received about 50% more orders to make clothes ahead of this year's Eid al-Fitr, compared to the previous seasons, local Arabic daily *Arrayah reported.

"We are working extra hours (and) increasing the number of workers to be able to deliver all the orders on time," a tailor told the daily.

Most of the tailoring shops have not been accepting any new orders over the past few days as they have their hands full.

Despite the increased demand, the rates remain unchanged, another tailor said.

A special order for a man’s thobe costs QR60 as stitching charge while a normal one is charged QR50.

For children, it is a maximum of QR40.

Fabric prices vary depending on the manufacturer and brand.

Demand is higher for Japanese fabrics, even though they are expensive.

The business of tailoring shops at commercial streets has not been impacted by competition at popular traditional souqs around the country, as both have their own dedicated clientele.

Tailor Hayat Hassan said that customer preferences are quite varied where it comes to the style of the thobe and choice of fabric.

Most regular customers tend to trust the tailor’s choice of fabric and his way of stitching.

He also noted that most customers go for a comfortable fabric with simple design, especially considering the hot weather.

Seraj, another tailor, said that work at the shop could be extended up to 18 hours a day in order to be able to deliver orders on time, as it would not be acceptable for customers to receive their clothes beyond the morning of the first day of Eid.

Similarly, men's accessories shops and shoe shops have revealed that they enjoyed excellent sales ahead of the Eid holidays.

Some of the famous shops reported sales of around QR30,000 a day of men's leather slippers alone, as some brands could cost up to QR2,000 a pair while the price of others, especially those that are locally-made, could range from QR150 to QR250 a pair.

A shop operator said their sales are now dependent on online marketing and home delivery.

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