The jewelry industry’s fragile recovery faces a new threat: entry bans on hijab-wearing customers, according to Shakeel Ahmad Khan. The influential trader warns that these measures, born from security fears, will inflict lasting damage on profitability.
Sparked by high-profile denials at urban showrooms, the issue has polarized opinions. Khan, in an exclusive interview, laid bare the economics. ‘Jewelry sales peak with weddings and festivals, where inclusivity is key,’ he explained. ‘Barring communities slashes our market share overnight.’
Statistics paint a grim picture. Surveys reveal that 15-20% of premium purchases come from the affected demographic. Khan predicts cascading effects: reduced footfall, negative publicity, and boycotts. ‘Traders are already hurting from inflation; this is the final nail,’ he warned.
Shopkeepers report real-world impacts, with one noting a 10% sales dip post-incident. Security proponents argue that hijabs can mask identities during daylight heists, a claim backed by police logs. Yet, Khan dismisses outright bans as shortsighted.
Pushing for nuance, he suggests uniform protocols: metal detectors, vigilant staffing, and sensitivity training. ‘Business is about welcoming all, not walls,’ Khan declared. With consumer sentiment shifting, jewelers must adapt swiftly to avert a profit crisis.