Home ›› 12 Apr 2023 ›› Editorial
Eid-ul-Fitr, the joyous Muslim festival that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Bangladesh. Traditionally, people flock to markets and shopping malls to buy new clothes, gifts, and food items to celebrate the occasion. Online shopping has become the preferred choice for many Bangladeshis to celebrate the festival nowadays.
Online shopping has been gaining momentum in Bangladesh over the past few years, and the Covid-19 pandemic has only accelerated this trend. The convenience and safety of online shopping have made it an attractive option for shoppers. As a result, many e-commerce platforms have reported a surge in sales ahead of Eid.
One of the major advantages of online shopping during Eid is the opportunity to avoid crowded places. Shopping malls and markets are usually packed with people during this time, which can be overwhelming. Online shopping provides a convenient alternative, allowing customers to browse through a vast array of products from the comfort of their own homes.
A recent report by The Business Post reveals that online shopping picks up as Eid nears. Online shopping ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr has gained momentum after a six-month lull caused by high inflation and dollar price hikes. Many companies stop taking orders five to six days before Eid to make sure they can deliver the products on time. Many people leave for their village homes two to three days before Eid, and they stop taking new orders at that time.
Online sales, especially of clothes, usually increase by 70-80 per cent in the middle of Ramadan, and that is happening this year as well. Sales figures for such goods are almost the same as last year’s Eid-ul-Fitr.
Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB) data reveals that 4.3 lakh products sold online are delivered across the country every day on average. Before the pandemic, the growth in this sector was 50 per cent.
According to the data of the Bangladesh Bank, after the start of the pandemic, the digital business expanded rapidly. June 2021 recorded the highest-ever e-commerce transactions of Tk 1,277 crore. Transactions were about Tk 1,162 crore in November last year, which decreased to Tk 1,130 crore in December.
The delivery of items like cosmetics and apparel almost doubled compared to last Eid as the government has strengthened e-commerce monitoring to prevent fraud.
Online shopping however provides customers with a wider range of choices than traditional shopping methods. E-commerce platforms offer a diverse range of products at competitive prices, allowing customers to find the best deals without having to visit multiple stores.
Moreover, online shopping is a boon for small businesses and entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. With the rise of e-commerce platforms, small businesses can reach a wider audience, expand their customer base, and increase their sales. This not only helps to promote entrepreneurship but also contributes to the country's economic growth.
The growing popularity of online shopping also presents some challenges that need to be addressed. For example, ensuring customer privacy and security is crucial to building trust among customers. E-commerce platforms must take measures to protect customer data and prevent fraud to ensure that online shopping remains a safe and reliable option for customers.
As the pandemic continues to shape the way we live and work, online shopping is likely to continue its upward trajectory. The convenience, safety, and accessibility of online shopping have made it an attractive option for shoppers, and it presents new opportunities for businesses. As the e-commerce sector continues to grow, it is essential to address the challenges and ensure that online shopping remains a safe and reliable option for customers.
