Shoppers debate ‘Big Discounts’ signs at shopping centers

BAGHDAD, October 28 — Shopping complexes, especially those specializing in clothing, frequently display signs that read “Big Discounts.” The phenomenon has led to a divide among customers, with some believing that the purpose of these signs is to attract customers and market items that are difficult to sell, while others see the discounts as genuine.

The phenomenon has become more widespread with the proliferation of shopping complexes, but at the expense of small businesses. At the beginning of the winter season, commercial complexes in the Mansour and Mamoun areas adopted this approach.

Customers appear divided on this phenomenon, with both supporters and critics, while sales officials in these complexes emphasize that discounts have legitimate reasons.

Shopper Inas Salah shared with 964, “I don’t buy from any complex that displays a ‘Big Discounts’ sign because most of the items are old models. This marketing tactic is used by some to attract customers to see what is available inside the complex. The discount is only on the signage, and the prices remain the same.”

Zeina Mohammed, another shopper, said, “I came to this complex today to buy winter clothes for this year. I’ve been shopping at the same complex for two years because of its reasonable prices, and the discounts are genuine. Large complexes sell at discounted rates to get rid of old models and introduce new models suitable for the seasons.”

964 spoke to a sales manager at an area shopping center, who explained, “Each person sells at a price that suits them and their business. Our complex has prices that suit different items, including men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing. A shop is not like a complex. A shop is small with limited and basic models, and the rent is high, unlike a complex where the diversity of merchandise and models helps sell at a lower price.”

“Any complex owner selling at a big discount is not at a loss; they are selling the last pieces as a model clearance, offering discounts of 25 percent or 50 percent, depending on the price that suits them, and they gain customers in the process.”