Eid shopping dynamics in the capital's shopping malls depict a contrasting picture, with well-known brand outlets bustling with customers while smaller clothing stores struggle to attract crowds.
At Bashundhara City Shopping Mall, prominent brand shops like YELLOW, Gentle Park, Aarong, and Mbrella witnessed long queues of eager customers, indicating a robust turnout. However, smaller shops experienced sparse foot traffic in comparison.
Store managers at renowned brands expressed satisfaction with their sales, noting similar trends to previous Eid seasons. Meanwhile, the manager of Mbrella acknowledged the heightened pressure from customers, reflecting the positive response they've received.
Nobin Fashion's outlet in Moghbazar drew a large crowd, particularly for their Panjabi collection priced between Tk500 to Tk1500, indicating a demand for traditional attire.
President of Bangladesh Shop Owners Association, Md Helal Uddin, highlighted the challenge faced by smaller businesses, attributing the bulk of customers at branded stores to the affluent class.
However, traders at general markets, like Dhaka New Super Market and Mouchak Market, reported a decline in sales compared to previous years. Factors contributing to this decline include increased wholesale prices, leading to decreased profit margins, and consumers' cautious spending due to rising living costs.
Nazma Begum, a proprietor of a small clothing store, expressed disappointment over the stark contrast in sales figures, indicating a significant drop in revenue compared to previous years.
Overall, while branded clothing stores continue to thrive, smaller retailers grapple with economic challenges exacerbated by rising living costs, impacting their Eid sales.
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