The wholesale and retail clothing market in Old Dhaka is buzzing with activity as Eid approaches.
The shopkeepers are experiencing a surge in buyers, even though the sales are not as huge as before. However, the buyers complain that the price of clothes is a little higher than previous years.
With customers thronging Islampur, Patuatuli, Gulistan, Katherpool, Laxmibazar, Wari, and various shopping malls. The scene is similar at Keraniganj, the countrys largest wholesale market.
Every day, from morning until late night excluding iftar, customers flock to these areas to purchase clothes and shoes from big and small shops, showrooms, and various brands at Alam Market in Keraniganj. Traders report a wide variety of attractive Eid clothes available this year.
Talking to traders and buyers, it is known that different types of attractive clothes arrived to the Eid market this time.
A visit on Sunday revealed a vibrant atmosphere in Old Dhakas traditional shopping malls like Islampur, Bangabazar, Gulistan Super Market, and Rajdhani Super Market.
Shopkeepers have adorned their stores with a mix of domestic and imported clothes from India and Pakistan to cater to diverse customer preferences. Retailers and wholesalers from across the country are drawn to the variety and competitive prices offered.
All classes of buyers are coming because of the rich colors, the combination of different fabrics, the quality of the fabrics, and the cheap prices. The vendors are selling the clothes at different prices depending on the quality.
The vibrant colors, fabric combinations, quality materials, and affordability attract buyers of all economic backgrounds. Vendors offer clothes at varying price points based on quality. Sarees range from Tk 500 to Tk 10,000, pants from Tk 350 to Tk 3,000, shirts from Tk 450 to Tk 2,500, and Punjabis from Tk 600 to Tk 4,000.
Md Ibrahim Babari, owner of Khawaja Garments in Keraniganj, acknowledges that sales haven been strong since Ramadan began. "Its better now," he says. "Though mornings are slow, the number of buyers increases as the day progresses. We
e experiencing a busy time right now."
Another businessman, Ratan, echoes this sentiment. "Shops remain open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM during Ramadan," he explains. "With Eid just days away, sales have begun to pick up."
Islampur, the largest wholesale market for local garments, heavily relies on Eid sales for profits. While acknowledging lower sales compared to previous years due to rising costs and reduced purchasing power, sellers report an upward trend as Eid approaches. Vendors also mention a price increase of Tk 300-400 per bundle and Tk 40-80 for single pieces, depending on the clothing type and fabric quality.
Rana Islam, owner of Bhai Bhai Fashion Shop, notes that business has been slow since the beginning of Ramadan but is picking up now. However, he highlights lower sales compared to last year. "Last year, we were busy from the start of Ramadan, and currently, that peak period falls towards the months end."
The market also sees an influx of job seekers hoping for last-minute income opportunities at stalls. Notably, women comprise a significant portion of the customer base.
However, buyers express concerns about price hikes across all clothing categories. Rokhsana Khatun, shopping at Sadarghats Great Wall Market before leaving the country, laments the increased prices compared to her last shopping trip.
Despite the challenges, business owners remain optimistic about achieving their sales targets before Eid.
Muslim Dhali, general secretary of the Keraniganj Shop Owners Association, reports a positive sales trajectory with expectations of further growth in the coming days.
