Refrigerator sales surge ahead of Eid

Despite economic challenges throughout the year, refrigerator sales have risen significantly ahead of the holy Eid-ul-Azha, with sellers reporting a 25–30 percent increase compared to the same period last year, said the sellers.

Showrooms of different electronics brands across the country are witnessing a growing number of customers as Eid shopping gains momentum.

In some outlets, buyers were even seen waiting near managers’ desks to complete payments after selecting their refrigerators, reflecting strong consumer demand during the festive season.

More than 90 percent of refrigerators sold in the country are now locally made.

The market is growing by around 10 percent annually, with local products also being exported, while industry players see strong future growth potential, especially in rural areas.

Sellers said demand is higher this year for large-capacity and inverter refrigerators, driven by the need for food and meat preservation during Eid-ul-Azha.

Despite economic pressure, due to inflation, higher living costs, and reduced purchasing power, buyers are still purchasing essential appliances, supported by discounts, instalment plans, and promotional offers.

Though there is no official consolidated data on refrigerator sales in the country, local manufacturing companies roughly estimate that the country’s refrigerator market is worth over Tk10,000 crore annually, with 25–30 lakh units sold each year.

Of these, around 9–10 lakh units are sold during Eid-ul-Azha, which accounts for 35–50 percent of annual sales, while the two Eids together make up nearly 60–70 percent of yearly sales.

Eid-ul-Azha is considered the biggest sales season for refrigerators, as demand for fridges and deep freezers jumps for meat preservation.

Despite economic challenges, strong consumer demand continues, with companies offering new models and promotions, while rural markets are seen as a key future growth area.

PRAN-RFL Group Marketing Director Kamruzzaman Kamal said the refrigerator market in Bangladesh is expected to expand further as people’s incomes rise and lifestyles continue to change.

“Refrigerators have become an essential household appliance for many families due to the increase in working people and dual-income households.

People now have less time for daily shopping, which is increasing the need for food preservation,” he said.

He added that growing demand will not be limited to households, but will also come from commercial and industrial users.

Explaining the 30 percent rise in Vision refrigerator sales, Kamruzzaman Kamal said customers are showing greater interest in the brand due to its affordable pricing, international-standard quality, and energy-efficient technology that ensures good performance with lower power consumption.

Sales of market leader Walton refrigerators have also increased ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

Walton Refrigerator Chief Business Officer Md Tahsinul Haque said around 70 percent of annual refrigerator sales take place during Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha, adding that sales this Eid are stronger than last year.

He attributed the brand’s popularity to new AI and IoT-based refrigerator models and its strong after-sales service network.

Monirul Hasan Swapan, Head of Production Engineering at Minister Group, said Bangladesh’s refrigerator market is currently valued at more than Tk12,000 crore.

He noted that the industry is growing by around 10–20 percent annually, supported by the expansion of local brands and stronger consumer purchasing power.

According to him, around 3.3 million to 3.5 million refrigerators are now sold in the domestic market every year.

Demand for locally made Minister refrigerators has also increased ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with the company expecting sales to rise by over 20 percent.

Company official Monirul Hasan Swapan said buyers are showing growing interest in modern, energy-saving models, though raw material sourcing remains challenging due to limited bank support.