Travel

Pakistan

Retailing in Karachi

Karachi is a city of strange proportions and contrasts. Without knowing one of its residents, one could never get a sense of what the city means, how it thrives, how it pulses.

Consider the multitude of rug shops. Persian carpets made in Pakistan has become a massive industry catering to the few tourists who pass through this crowded seaport. WIthout regard to competition, the prices are fixed under a collusion agreement that suits everyone fine. The customer need not shop around except to find the carpet that sings out to him or her and the price is still 33% of the price in the best sale in the West. The shopkeepers can focus on selection and service thereby giving the rug the attention it deserves. This works.

Other retail in Pakistan, especially the markets, have a sense of diversity to them which also works. Prices again are well-bounded and quality, although low, is perfectly sufficient for gift-giving purposes. Heirlooms are not easy to find but a $20 bill goes a long, long way to bringing smiles to friends left behind. Wooden boxes, mirrorwork hats, tablecloths with colourful vegetable dye, sweet boxes, interesting waistcoats, elaborate tea-cozies, practical leather jackets; all is readily available and easy-to-find.

For export-quality goods, you need to find the Westernized shops of Clifton and Defence. Once you have identified them, you will find a great collection of textiles and fabrics at Westernized prices. Here is where most will want to buy shalwar chemises, sarees, and other wedding gear; along with the polo shirts and dress shirts that make up a big part of Pakistan's textile exports. Absolutely no better place will you find to get elaborate and high-quality Eastern clothing.

Retail may be wonderful in Karachi, but it is hard to get to. Traffic snarls unexpectedly throughout the day and night and the pollution is Delhiesque without being oppressive. There is so much more to see in Karachi than shop but it's a good place to start and end to see the true spirit of this great city.