Fashion houses aiming for recovery

The Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on businesses across the country. The fashion industry in Bangladesh was hit particularly hard with Covid-related restrictions being imposed at regular intervals. Fashion houses remained closed for days on end. And when they were open, they often wore a deserted look. During the height of the pandemic panic spread among the customers who preferred not to venture out of their homes for shopping. During the pandemic, people showed little interest in buying fashion products, paying more attention to essentials. To make matters worse, many entrepreneurs left the industry behind. A host of workers and artisans have also had to quit their jobs.

The two Eids and Pahela Baishakh are the most lucrative times for the Bangladesh fashion industry. Ahead of these events, markets usually teem with new collections and ranges of fashionable apparel. The picture was different in the last two years, and the fashion industry was down in the dumps. After the onset of the pandemic, the government announced various loan incentives. However, due to multiple conditions attached by banks, local fashion entrepreneurs could not take advantage of these.

On a positive note, this year, the stakeholders of the fashion industry are bracing for better results. With Ramadan beginning tomorrow and Pahela Baishakh round the corner, the fashion houses are preparing for a turnaround in fortunes. According to a report published in The Business Post yesterday, many fashion industry owners are hopeful for a bright sale during the upcoming two back-to-back occasions as there are no Covid-induced restrictions for the time being. However, they are not counting on the two occasions to completely recover the losses incurred in the last couple of years. They are pinning their hopes on good sales this year which will strongly start the recovery process.

The report quoted Soumik Das, owner of Rang Bangladesh, a leading local brand, saying, "This time Eid and Baishakh will be celebrated successively. So, we are hopeful to have a good business". This optimistic mood is reflected across the board. Many believe that sales this year will cross pre-pandemic levels. Abul Kalam, proprietor of Ossotruck at Bashundhara City Shopping Complex, said they sell 600 to 800 pieces of women's clothing every year, but this year at least 1,000 of the item are expected to be sold out.

The report says that new fashion items have already hit the city showrooms displaying various products, including Panjabi, pajama, three pieces, T-shirt, Polo T-shirt, shirt, sharee, etc. According to industry insiders, most of the collections have already arrived in the market, and the rest will follow suit. The fashion houses have started making preparation very early, considering two big festivals in the country.

The clothing manufacturers are being proactive to attract potential customers and maximize sales. The report states that the clothing manufacturers have developed new designs for their products. They have also emphasized the weather that the local customers take into consideration when buying dresses. Generally, customers prefer thin dress during summer, which is why the fashion houses emphasize cotton wears that are flexible and soft and entail innovative designs.

Be that as it may, the recovery path is not smooth as there are hurdles to overcome. Earlier, they used to pay the dressmakers after selling the dresses, but they have to pay beforehand this year since all are hard up, the report says. However, this is a minor concern, and the general mood among the stakeholders is positive. However, some shop owners have struck a discordant note as they have witnessed poor sales after the Shab e-Barat. Usually, many turn to shopping before Ramadan only to stay relaxed throughout the month of Ramadan. The market has not witnessed this trend this time around.

We hope that the fashion houses will bounce back strongly this year. Fashion houses and boutiques have decked up their shops with colourful apparel and displayed new collections. Let the Pahela Baishakh and the Eid resurrect the local fashion industry.