The retail sector is expecting card payments of 130 billion lira during the Ramadan Bayram. The President of the United Brands Association (BMD), Sinan Öncel, stated that they anticipate card payments of 130 billion lira to be made during the Ramadan Bayram, along with the eve of the holiday. In a written statement, Öncel noted that shopping in the branded retail sector would intensify on the eve of March 29th, with expenses providing some relief to categories such as groceries, clothing, footwear, and meals. Öncel also mentioned that approximately 20% of card expenditures are for grocery expenses, with clothing, footwear, and dining ranking amongst the top three categories. Observations from previous years have shown that shopping for religious holidays tends to peak on the eve of the holiday. Data from the Interbank Card Center (BKM) confirms these observations. For example, during last year’s 4-day Ramadan Bayram, a total of 94.1 billion lira in card payments were made, with 37 billion lira, or about 39%, occurring on the eve of the holiday. This year, with card payments expected to increase by around 40% to 130 billion lira in line with annual inflation during the 4-day holiday, it is projected that approximately 40%, or 50 billion lira of said shopping, will take place on March 29th. Öncel also pointed out that branded sales have declined in the first two months of the year in the branded retail sector, attributing seasonal increases to religious holidays and special occasions. He emphasized the necessity of producing innovative products and reducing costs as the only solution to reverse this trend.