Eid demand push sales of perfumes, incense

Sales of various types of perfumes and incense have been on the rise recently due to the upcoming Eid al-Adha holidays, local Arabic daily 'Arrayah' has reported. Qataris, in particular, have been buying good amounts of high-quality incense including the Cambodian, Indian and Malaysian oud in addition to other blends of Arabic incense and perfumes from malls and souqs in Doha. 

Salespersons at these shops stressed that they are having a brisk business in the run-up to Eid celebrations. And they have been keen to stock good quantities of the varieties and brands mostly demanded by their customers. The Sri Lankan oud commands QR300,000 per kg, while the price of Malaysian oud amounted to QR100,000 per kg and other oily perfumes sell at around QR120,000 per kg. 

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Incense sticks are in big demand

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Perfumes displayed in a store

Retail sales are often in few grams as a small quantity of these perfumes and incenses would give the desired fragrance, usually used to perfume houses and reception lounges (majlis) during the holidays for family gatherings. Jabir al-Qahtani, owner of an incense shop, said that sales at his outlet have increased by almost 80% ahead of the Eid holidays. He said that around 10gm of any of the various types of oud are sold starting from QR50 up to QR200. 

"The prices of oud have risen dramatically in the recent years due to the shortage in supply as the trees from which oud is extracted are becoming rare in the source countries," he explained. Al-Qahtani observed that the Sri Lankan oud is considered among the most high-end incenses in the GCC markets with 10gm amounting to QR300 to QR400 due to the high demand. 

Samy al-Miklhlafi, owner of a perfume shop, said that Arabic blends of perfumes and incense are preferred among customers for everyday use. Besides, these are sold at reasonable prices. Saood al-Anzi, a customer, noted that prices of oud and traditional perfumes have risen sharply ahead of the Eid holidays. He called for tighter control. For instance, he said that what can be bought at QR150 for 10gm at regular times often sells at QR300 during the peak of Eid shopping.