Traders face risk of losses in winter clothing mkt
Traders, who prepared well in advance for the winter season, are now facing a period of deep frustration as the winter clothing market is experiencing a drought of customers thoughout the month of Kartik.
Every year, the winter clothing market in Sylhet begins to pick up momentum from the month of Kartik. Traders set up displays of winter apparel including sweaters, jackets, hoodies, blankets, shawls, and warm clothing for children on the footpaths and in shopping centers across areas like Zindabazar, Bandarbazar, Hasan Market, Ambarkhana, and Rikabibazar.
However, with winter yet to arrive, sales have fallen far short of expectations.
Traders explain that, in anticipation of the winter season, many procured large quantities of winter wear from wholesale markets well ahead of time. They have invested significant capital, covering expenses such as shop rent, staff salaries, and transportation costs.
Yet, while there is some foot traffic in the markets, there is little interest in purchasing winter clothing. This has not only tied up their capital but has also heightened the fear of financial loss.
The situation is even more concerning for seasonal traders. Many rely on selling winter clothing on footpaths or in temporary stalls for a substantial portion of their annual income. When winter arrives late, their business season inevitably shrinks. For many, their livelihoods depend entirely on the earnings from this seasonal trade.
Several clothing retailers in the city noted that they stocked up on goods in anticipation of winter demand. However, because the weather has not turned cold, customers have yet to show interest in buying warm clothing.
As a result, even though they open their shops daily, sales remain disappointing. Nevertheless, they remain hopeful that as temperatures begin to drop, more customers will arrive at the market.
Abdul Hannan, a businessman at the city’s Hasan Market, noted that although the month of Kartik is drawing to a close, there is still no sign of the expected winter weather. While a mild chill typically sets in by this time each year, the current, unusual weather conditions have kept the atmosphere warm.
Consequently, the trade in winter clothing has yet to pick up, leaving business owners feeling deeply disappointed.
Jamal Mia, a small-scale clothing vendor operating on the sidewalk in the city’s Zindabazar area, remarked that the absence of winter weather has prevented the market for warm clothing in Sylhet from gaining the momentum that was anticipated. In particular, there is little sense of urgency regarding winter preparations among customers traveling to the city from rural areas.
Niaz Md. Azizul Karim-organising secretary of the Sylhet district branch of the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association and general secretary of the Hasan Market Business Association explained that the lack of winter weather has kept the warm-clothing trade sluggish.
He added that the instability in the Middle East and a prevailing sense of uncertainty have also weighed on the business community. He expressed hope that temperatures will soon drop, bringing on the winter season and boosting seasonal sales; otherwise, merchants who have made early investments could face significant financial losses.