Eid shoppers throng markets for caps, perfumes and cosmetics

With only a couple of days remaining before Eid, shopping has reached its final stage, with consumers mostly looking for matching accessories, cosmetics, tupi and attar.
A visit to several shopping hubs, including Gulistan, Elephant road, Eastern Plaza and Bashundhara City, has revealed that shoppers are looking for such items in addition to their regular Eid outfits.
Shopping malls in the Gulistan area have seen a sharp rise in footfall over the past few days, with both retailers and wholesalers reporting brisk business.
The demand for items like tupi (Islamic cap), attar, tasbih, surma and jainamaz (prayer mat) typically peaks during the last ten days of Ramadan, when people prepare for Eid prayers and other religious observances.
"Most people have already completed their clothing purchases. Now they are buying caps, perfumes and other accessories," said Md Rashed, a trader at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque. "Sales of tupi and attar have increased significantly compared to earlier weeks."
Shops in the area are displaying a wide variety of products, including locally-made and imported caps. Colourful and stylish designs for children are particularly popular this year. Many buyers are purchasing caps to match their Eid outfits, which have further boosted sales.
The market for attar is equally vibrant. Shops are offering a wide range of fragrances such as Kashmiri Oud, Bakhoor, Gule Laila and Majma.
A growing number of customers are opting for spray-type perfumes, which are easier to use compared to traditional oil-based attar.
Despite the presence of a huge crowd, traders have expressed mixed reactions regarding overall sales. Some say items like tupi and attar are selling well, while others reported relatively slow sales of larger items such as prayer mats and wooden Quran stands.
Kashem Ali, who deals in religious items, said price variation has created confusion among buyers. "The same product is being sold at different prices in different shops, which sometimes discourages customers," he said.
"Even if someone does not buy expensive clothes, a new cap and some fragrance add to the festive feeling," said Arifur Rahman, a buyer.
Caps decorated with beads and golden embroidery are selling between Tk 500 and Tk 2,000. Cotton caps are available starting at Tk 50, with prices varying across shops. Imported Rumi, stone-studded Sindhi caps and Jinnah caps are being sold for Tk 2,000. In addition, Chinese and Pakistani caps are also available on the market.
Traders expect sales to continue rising in the days ahead of Eid, particularly during evening hours, as shoppers prefer to visit markets after iftar.
Meanwhile, cosmetics and girls' accessories have become one of the busiest segments in Eid markets this week.
The demand for lipsticks, nail polish, kajal and compact powders have risen sharply as young women look to complete their festive preparations. Shops selling these items remain crowded from afternoon until late evening.
Accessories such as bangles, hair clips, and handbags are also drawing strong interest. Colourful designs, especially those matching Eid outfits, are in high demand. Teenage girls and young women are the most frequent buyers, often accompanied by friends or family members.

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