By Matthew Davies, Vice President Sales of FedEx Express Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa
This year, the month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr won’t look or feel the same in Saudi Arabia. With ongoing restrictions on travel and movement, and social distancing norms around the world because of COVID-19, family and friends who usually fly back to Saudi Arabia for Eid al-Fitr may be celebrating through video calls this year.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we give gifts and shop for them too. As a result, e-commerce has reached new heights in Saudi Arabia. A study by Mastercard published in December 2020 stated that 77% of Saudi-based consumers have been spending more money online since the COVID-19 outbreak. As millions of people in Saudi Arabia start browsing websites to find Eid gifts for their loved ones, your best chance to buy and have gifts delivered in time is to shop and ship early.
Here are three reasons why you should act soon to help make your loved ones abroad feel close to home.
- Get the first pick on popular Saudi products
Online retailer BinDawood Holding claimed that its average online order value has risen by 50%, and app downloads spiked 400% since the pandemic. This gives you an indication of how fast e-commerce is growing in Saudi Arabia, and how quickly those who weren’t already purchasing through websites or mobile apps have become comfortable with online shopping. When the shopping frenzy begins, you’ll be competing with every other online shopper for the things Saudi Arabia is well-known for, like dates, Oud perfumes and oils, abayas and more. Shop early to have a wider variety of things to choose from rather than having to settle for a limited choice later.
- Be more thoughtful and creative with your gifts
A meaningful gift demands time, thought, and creativity. As millions fill their online shopping cart with the best deals, you might not have the luxury of time to browse multiple websites, so list out things that the recipient wants or likes. Shopping early gives you time to think, which means your gift won’t look like a last-minute purchase. You could buy not just one, but several different items before the shopping rush to put together gift hampers, and then ship them early to make sure they are received on time for Eid. You could request something personalized from one of the many artists that have emerged online and on Instagram during this period. Remember, customizing a gift takes time, so plan early and ship ahead.
- Send gifts on time for the celebration
Receiving an unexpected gift can help someone get through a hard time, like missing family get-togethers on Eid. Timing is everything, and shipping gifts early makes sure the recipient receives them on time, and helps those away from home feel like they’re part of the celebration.
Shopping and shipping early makes it easy for you and your loved ones around the world to celebrate and have a joyful Eid.
