Sales are picking up at the warm clothes markets in Dhaka as winter’s chill gradually sets in.
The temperature did not dip as low as in previous years in December, leading to relatively low sales of warm clothes at the streetside shops in the capital. As the new year ushered in winter's chill, Dhaka's warm clothes markets sprang to life.
Sales of blazers and coats have increased significantly as the items are popular among the youth. Many are thronging to the streetside shops in Gulistan expecting a good bargain.
Coats, blazers and vests of different colours and designs are sold at the temporary shops along the footpath in Gulistan. Prices range from Tk 600 to Tk 3,000 depending on quality and style.
Other winter clothes varieties including hoodies, sweaters, caps, mufflers, socks, shoes and also blankets are sold there.
A makeshift coat-blazer shop occupies the footpath beside Gulistan's Zero Point, flanking the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. The trade begins at dawn, however, sales surge in the afternoon and culminate in bustling evening crowds. Lower-middle and upper-class individuals alike throng this shop.
Retail buyers and out-of-town customers flock to Gulistan's wholesale market to buy winter clothes.
Alongside locally-made coats and blazers, the stalls boast an array of imported options from China and India, starting at Tk 600 and ascending to Tk 2,500 depending on design.
The traders said that they stock up on warm clothes in late October as sales start to pick up by then but this year's delayed winter hampered sales. December's intensifying cold brought a surge in buyer activity.
However, the recent strikes have negatively impacted business, as many potential buyers from outside Dhaka are unable to travel.
Additionally, the ongoing economic crisis and rising inflation have dampened consumer enthusiasm for clothing, leading to a decline in sales, claimed traders.
Abdul Matin, a vendor operating near Ramna Bhaban Market, said, “We offer a wide variety of designs and colours, with most items originating from China and India. Chinese blazers range from Tk 1,200 to Tk 2,500 wholesale, while Indian ones span from Tk 1,700 to Tk 3,000.”
He added that they also sell various types of vests including Punjabi vests, Blazer vests and Mujib coats. Slim-fit vests are in trend and due to the upcoming national election, the demand for Mujib coats is high.
Wholesale trade pick up
Beyond the bustling sidewalks, wholesale shops are also thriving with winter clothing sales.
Kuddus, a seasoned vendor at Baitul Mukarram Market since 2008, offers a diverse selection of blazers and vests in all sizes and designs.
“Children's vests are priced lower than adult options and I primarily import high-quality garments from China and India, with tailoring completed in Bangladesh,” he said emphasising the ongoing popularity of blazers and vests, their stylish appeal holding strong even during mild winters.
“Sales are generally good, except during strike days,” Kuddus added. “If not for these disruptions and if prices were slightly lower, sales would have increased.”
This year's upcoming 12th JS Polls have prompted the government to postpone the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) to the third week of January, considering the event's importance for some potential buyers.
Traditionally, DITF has been a popular destination for winter clothes sales, but last year's relocation to Purbacahal encouraged many to explore alternative options like Gulistan's market.
Shahidul Islam, a student shopping for a blazer, reflects this shift. “I usually buy from DITF, but with the delay in its opening, Gulistan's proximity made it the convenient choice. The winter brings fresh designs here, and the prices are reasonable.”
Shahriar Islam, another customer seeking a winter blazer, acknowledges the economic realities for many.
“For middle-class families like ours, sidewalk markets are often the preferred option,” he said. “As a private-sector employee, budgeting is crucial. Today, I found a suitable blazer for only Tk 1,200.”
Even amidst the winter quiet, the sidewalk vendors' enthusiastic calls echo through the market, drawing in a steady stream of customers eager to fulfil their winter wardrobe needs.
