With less than a week to go before Eid-ul-Fitr, Dhaka's shopping malls witnessed the much-anticipated surge in sales on Friday as shoppers took advantage of the weekend to buy kidswear, Panjabi, sarees and other womenswear and accessories -- leading to traffic congestion around shopping hubs.
However, some sellers expressed disappointment due to lower-than-expected sales, while shoppers too expressed unease over elevated price tags amid the ongoing inflationary pressures.
Following Friday prayers, shopping centres, including both upscale stores and sidewalk vendors, bustled with activity as the crowds grew steadily.
Customers, from a diverse range of backgrounds, browsed for their desired Eid items, including kidswear, Panjabis, sarees, three-pieces and accessories.
Traders said people have received their March salaries and festival bonuses in the first week of April, which has allowed them to budget for Eid shopping.
Yet, some traders said sales this year fell short of expectations due to inflationary pressures impacting consumer spending.
Visiting popular shopping destinations such as Bashundhara City, Elephant Road, Baily Road and Gulistan on Friday, it was found that the fashion outlets were crammed with buyers.
Meanwhile, street vendors in Gulistan and Purana Paltan struggled to manage the influx of buyers.
Raibul Alam, a street-side Panjabi seller near the south gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque, said they were getting a positive response from customers. "We are a good choice for many buyers because we offer affordable Eid shopping options."
He was found asking Tk 2,400 for a Panjabi, while a customer attempted to negotiate the price down to Tk 1,000.
A shopper, Ahmedul Kabir, told The Financial Express that he came to the hawkers' market seeking affordable prices, but found it challenging to adjust his budget with the cost of desired items.
"I came here to buy matching Panjabis for myself and my younger brother," he said, adding he preferred colourful designs.
Apart from clothing, customers purchased various fashion and lifestyle accessories, including shoes, jewellery, prayer caps, perfumes and travel bags.
The increased number of shoppers led to traffic congestion at major intersections like GPO, New Market, Science Lab and Panthapath as people navigated between shopping destinations.
A long queue formed in front of the upscale Bashundhara City shopping mall.
"I came to buy items for my three young nieces and nephews, but even children's clothing isn't cheap," another shopper commented on the price of baby clothes.
"A simple frock for a two-year-old girl costs Tk 2,000," he said, finding the price tag for a child's garment "baffling".
However, a salesperson at a shop called Dada Style said the dresses are imported from India at a higher cost.
"Our import costs have risen due to the dollar crisis and the higher exchange rate, along with increased operating expenses," he said, admitting inflationary pressure on consumers.
"Despite the odds," he concluded, "people are still buying because Eid is knocking at the door."
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