Eid shopping gathers momentum as crowds throng city markets

The sales of new dresses and other items ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr in different shopping destinations of the capital have begun in full swing.

The majority of shopping malls drew huge crowds on Friday as people from different walks of life thronged there to purchase their desired items.

During a visit to the Gulistan area on Friday afternoon, it was found that shops in different malls as well as street-side vendors were drawing an increased number of customers.

The sidewalks of Gulistan turned into a colourful fair.

They were offering a wide range of clothing items, especially panjabis, shirts, pants, three pieces, sarees, and baby items.

There were rows of shops across the streets selling items on vans.

Buyers had to push through the crowds to explore the items.

While some were holding their favourite clothes in their hands and examining the stitching, others were bargaining for prices.

A street vendor in the Zero Point area, Masudul Islam, was selling party frocks for baby girls.

While juggling four to five customers, he told the FE he was selling party frocks between Tk 300 and Tk 600.

"We are getting huge customers today as expected. We also have additional stocks to meet the increased demand," he said.

Amid the crowds of shoppers, one Hafiz Uddin was seen closely examining a pair of shoes, turning them over in his hands before making a decision.

A security guard by profession, he came to the market to buy shoes for his wife and child.

After bargaining with the seller, he managed to bring the price down by Tk 100 and finally purchased two pairs for Tk 700.

However, he appeared somewhat dissatisfied with the deal.

"Prices go up whenever Eid approaches," he said with a note of regret, adding that he felt he had still paid about Tk 150 more than the actual price.

While low-income people crowded at budget-friendly shopping destinations, affluent buyers opted for upscale shopping malls like Bashundhara City and Jamuna Future Park.

Rifat Ara, a housewife, bought two baby items from a branded shop at Bashundhara City in the Panthapath area.

She told the FE that although prices in branded outlets were comparatively higher, she preferred shopping there for better quality and fixed pricing.

"At least we do not have to bargain much here, and the products are reliable," she said while carrying shopping bags filled with baby clothes.

She, however, said the price seemed slightly higher than last year.

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