With Eid-ul-Fitr just a few days away, people of Chattogram are now spending busy days shopping for their loved ones in and around the markets, malls and makeshift shops on footpaths around the port city.
The crowds in these places prevail from the afternoon till Sehri in the early hours of the next day.
Those who have completed buying clothes are now going to beauty parlours, salons, and shops of jewellery, perfume and prayer caps and mats.
To attract customers, many showrooms of clothes, jewellery and other products have offered discounts.
Sellers are passing a very busy time at different markets including New Market, Amin Center, VIP Tower, Sanmar Ocean City, Akhtaruzzaman Center, Singapore Bangkok Market, Reazuddin Bazar, Tamakumondi Lane, Zahoor Hawkers Market, Teribazar, Moti Tower of Chowkbazar, Carey, Bali Arcade, Lucky Plaza, No. 2 Gate Shopping Complex, Mimi Super Market, Afmi Plaza, Finley Square, Central Plaza, and UNESCO City Center.
One of the shoppers, Cynthia Islam came to Teribazar from the Oxygen Mor area of the city. She said, “The time to do Eid shopping is almost over. My family’s shopping is done. Now I have come to buy sarees and lungi for our domestic help.”
Housewife Sultana Razia, who came to New Market, said she came to buy a saree for herself and a dress for her daughter. “But the sellers are demanding higher prices,” she lamented.
Zaker Ahmed, a salesperson at a shop, said that this year's Eid sales were still slightly lower than last year. “The import cost of garments has increased due to the appreciation of the dollar.
“As a result, we had to increase the prices. Those who have a low shopping budget are unable to buy clothes at higher prices.”
College student Abrar Ahmed came to New Market to buy panjabi at discounted prices. “I came to buy a panjabi for myself as Eid is almost here. I heard that some showrooms are selling panjabis at a discounted rate. I’m going to check them out since my budget is low,” he said.
Municipal Zahoor Hawkers Market Traders Association Joint Member Secretary Fazlul Amin said the market is now seeing good sales. “Every shop is bustling with customers from the evening till Sehri.”
“Like every year, our traders have brought all kinds of collections for the Eid shoppers this year. Zahoor Hawkers Market already has a distinct reputation for selling good quality products at low prices. All categories of buyers come to our market,” he said.
Ahmed Hossain, general secretary of Teribazar Traders Association, said, “Teribazar is famous for all kinds of clothes. Our traders have been doing business for ages by giving priority to customer satisfaction.
“Even in the Eid market, our customers are returning home with a smile after buying good quality products.”
