ISLAMABAD (APP) - Shopping ahead of Eid festivity has picked up the pace as retailers logged rising sales in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, despite of overcharging by the shopkeepers. The stall-holders selling henna, cosmetics, earrings, glittering bangles and colourful dresses are being established in front of illuminated shopping malls and various corners of the provincial metropolis to attract female visitors. All this combined with jubilation among the women and girls, is developing day by day as they are thronging different markets and Sasta bazars. Shoppers are roaming the markets, checking out the latest in designs and gift items. Traders, who are gearing up for the years biggest shopping time, say sales have peaked at both retail and wholesale points. Girls specially find some moments while buying bangles, garments, gifts, shoes and other accessories despite overcharging by the shopkeepers. As Eid-ul-Fitr is approaching fast, Eid shopping is yet to gain more momentum. Due to pressing demands of children, most of parents reluctantly visit markets for shopping, as overcharging was on rise. There has been an increase of 30 to 50 percent in prices of all commodities, inflation has increased up to 35 percent and the salaried class is unable to cope with this situation, said Mohsin Ali. Eid is a happy moment for us, and despite of fleecing we are in the market to purchase eid stuff like kids garments, shoes etc, said a woman buying garments in Abpara market. The shopkeepers have displayed a variety of things, particularly new designs of clothes and shoes. A small number of people have already completed their Eid shopping at the start of Ramazan, while majority of them will come out in the last days of Ramazan. However, with the passage of time rush in the markets will be observed, as Eidul Fitr is the festival of Muslims, which is celebrated with great pomp and show. The elder, young or children, all wish to wear new clothes and shoes on this auspicious occasion. The sale of ladies and children garments has hit a record of about 30 percent increase during this season as compared to last years at different shopping centers and markets in twin cities on this Ramazan, said a woman visiting the readymade garments shop. The owners and staff of the outlet said last year during Ramazan, sale of readymade garments recorded some 20 percent increase. This Ramazan, we noticed increased sale of ladies and children varieties, she added. The garments and cloth traders in the cities main markets including Jinnah Super, Aabpara, Saddar, Rawalpindi, said the general prices of ladies and children garments remained at the same level, but they charged slightly higher rates for quality material. Sales of garments made of imported clothes at different shopping plazas and shops registered an increase between 25 to 30 percent, said a shopkeeper. Buyers with purchasing power prefer foreign-made fine cloth and varieties of designs for their children, as they are comfortable and comparably cheaper as compared with others.