As part of the preparations for Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the country’s biggest religious festivals, consumers of all ages have started flocking to Bashundhara City Shopping Mall in the capital. People from Dhanmondi, New Market, Farmgate, Panthapath, and Green Road areas are visiting the mall to buy clothes.
During a visit to the mall on Monday, it was observed that both branded and retail sellers have adorned their stores with colourful outfits. However, many sellers believe that the shopping rush is yet to begin, expecting it to pick up after the fifth or sixth day of Ramadan.
Considering the weather this season, fashion houses have focused on cotton fabrics, introducing comfortable clothing, especially for children. In addition to comfort, upholding the festive spirit of Eid has also been underlined.
Local brand outlets like Aarong and Deshidosh have seen significant customer interest, with some stores offering special discounts on selected items.
Tajul Islam, branch manager of the clothing brand Rise, stated, "We have launched new Eid collections at affordable prices. We anticipate a surge in shopping from Thursday or Friday onwards." He also mentioned that Rise is offering a 12 per cent discount for Banglalink Orange Club and Robi Elite members.
Rabib Hasan, a private university student, shared, “I have been searching for a blue-and-white coloured panjabi across various malls in Dhaka but haven’t found one I like. I liked a few panjabis at La Reve in Bashundhara City. The prices are quite reasonable. If I find the exact colour I want, I will buy it today [Monday]."
He added that he also plans to purchase clothes for his family members.
Tushar Kanti Ghosh, a private jobholder, bought a sharee for his mother and pants for himself. He then planned to buy a panjabi for his father.
However, some retailers remain doubtful about this year’s sales. Rafi Hossain, a salesperson at Gentle Park, believes that the recent political shifts might impact sales, as many political leaders used to buy clothes for gifting. He fears that they might not experience the same profit this year. Despite this, the store is offering a 50 per cent discount on selected panjabis.
Mamun Ahmed, manager of Art, noted that while sales are currently slow, he expects them to rise by the middle of Ramadan. Though they are not offering discounts, they sell budget-friendly panjabis priced between Tk 1,600 and Tk 3,500.
Nurul Islam, in charge of Richman’s outlet, echoed a similar sentiment, saying, “Ramadan has just started. Sales will peak during mid-Ramadan.”
Jahidul Islam Jahid of Dorjibari shared the same view.
Zubair Mia, manager of Ecstasy, pointed out that customer turnout is generally higher on Fridays.
Meanwhile, Prabal Chowdhury, a salesperson at Kay Kraft, expressed optimism that sales this year will surpass last year’s figures. "Eid bonuses and salaries are yet to be disbursed, but we expect a significant boost in sales in the coming days," he remarked.
Bd-pratidin English/Fariha Nowshin Chinika
