April 2 Sees Increase in Card Shopping Despite CHP Boycott
According to data compiled from the interbank card center (BKM), the total amount of card transactions in Turkey doubled from TL 14 billion on April 1 to TL 28 billion on April 2. The BKM handles approximately 55 percent of all card transactions in the country, with banks sharing their own transaction data with the center within 5 days.
As a result, the total card payment figures for April 2 will not be reported until at least April 7. The graphs provided by BKM are based on daily shopping data collected between midnight and 5:00 PM.
The increase in transactions on April 2, the last day of the festival, compared to the previous days, indicates a rise in shopping activity. Factors such as pre-holiday shopping, school holidays, and extended administrative holidays may have influenced this increase. However, a clearer picture of the trend is expected to emerge in the coming days.
Despite calls for a boycott by the CHP party following a corruption investigation involving the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, consumer spending remained strong. Many citizens chose to show their support for local businesses and producers rather than boycott the economy. The backlash against the boycott call on social media was significant, with many expressing concerns about the impact on the national economy and local production.
Overall, the data reveals a significant increase in card transactions on April 2 compared to the previous weeks, indicating a positive trend in consumer spending. The message of supporting domestic production and businesses seems to have resonated with many consumers, who continue to show their support for the local economy.
