Shopping spree ahead of 2 fests in Ctg markets

Chattogra Bureau :

This year’s Eid celebrations will closely be celebrated with Pahela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year. This has led many shoppers to purchase clothes, dresses for both occasions.
Popular shopping destinations like New Market, Reazuddin Bazar, Sanmar Ocean City Shopping Mall, Solasahar Shopping complex, Apollo Shopping, Chowkbazar, Bahaddarhat Market , EPZ Market and popular Terribazar were crowded with shoppers on Friday.This year’s Eid coincides closely with Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year. This has led many shoppers to purchase items for both occasions. Locals estimate that nearly 75 per cent of sales for a local fashion market exceeding Tk. 20,000 crores during these two holidays.
Khalid Ahmed, an entrepreneur and senior vice president of the Fashion Designers Association of Bangladesh, told New Nation, “Sales are positive overall, with higher foot traffic on weekends. We anticipate increased sales in the final ten days of Ramadan. To cater to both Eid and Pohela Boishakh shoppers, we have designed festive apparel.”
Shoppers like Rahman, a private service employee, were observed visiting multiple stores to find Eid essentials. “I purchased a punjabi for my father and a three-piece suit for my sister. I plan to buy more for the family,” he remarked. However, some shopkeepers reported a decline in sales compared to last year.
Mohammad Miah , a sales representative of Saree House , noted, “Our sales are 50 per cent lower than the same period last year. Today, there are more buyers due to the holiday, but weekdays are slower than usual pre-Eid periods.”
Habib , a customer buying clothes for his daughter, said, “Clothing prices seem 15% higher this year. Nevertheless, despite the challenges, buying new clothes for our families remains a priority during Eid.”
Shaheen, owner of fashion house remarked, “Sales in the first 15 days have been below target, and overall sales appear slightly lower than last year. However, with salaried workers receiving bonuses this week, I anticipate a rise in sales.”
The bustling crowds at the Aarong showroom at GEC circle, with queues at all payment counters, further exemplified the pre-Eid shopping frenzy.