RAJSHAHI, JUNE 06 (V7N) – With Eid al-Adha just days away, clothing retailers in Rajshahi are struggling to attract buyers, even with significant discounts, a stark contrast to the robust sales experienced during the previous three Eid al-Adha seasons post-Corona. This year, the Eid clothing market is facing a significant downturn, with many shops reporting a lack of desired customers and a failure to meet their sales targets.

A visit to various well-known brand clothing stores and Sapura Silk shops in Rajshahi city on June 3 revealed a similar bleak picture: despite discounts, there were few buyers. Industry stakeholders note that this is the weakest Eid al-Adha market they have seen in the last 30 years. Instead of bustling sales, shops are experiencing sluggish periods, with businessmen attributing the slump to unstable political and economic conditions.

Showrooms in the Sapura area displayed neatly arranged collections of colorful and plain sarees, Punjabis, three-piece suits, dresses, fatuas, and children's clothing. However, the absence of eager buyers was palpable. Unlike previous years, when customers from various parts of the country flocked to Rajshahi for Eid shopping, this year has seen a notable lack of outside buyers. The same subdued atmosphere prevails in branded shops at Newmarket and Ranibazar, with even shoe and sandal stores reporting minimal sales.

Shopkeepers are spending most of their day in idleness. Many brand clothing stores have resorted to drastic measures, offering items at half price or even providing discounts of up to 70 percent on specific garments. Almost every brand clothing store is running a continuous sale to clear inventory.

Salespeople across multiple shops confirmed that Eid al-Adha typically sees less shopping pressure compared to Eid al-Fitr, as many prioritize animal purchases. However, this trend is significantly more pronounced this year. Sellers claim a substantial decrease in business compared to previous years, largely attributing the decline to the impact of the political situation on Eid trade.

Yasmin, a salesperson at a Sapura Silk shop, shared her disappointment: "Last year, for Eid al-Adha, our sales were quite good. People came from various parts of the country to buy clothes. But this time, outside buyers didn't come. Even local buyers are not coming. Eid is just a few days away. Let's see if sales pick up."

Rakib Hossain, a salesperson at a brand shop, expressed his dismay, stating, "This year, sales are absolutely less. In the last two days, clothes worth only Tk 3-4 thousand were sold. Which is absolutely unexpected. Last year, sales were more than twice that." Another salesperson, remaining anonymous, echoed similar sentiments, noting the lack of customer presence even in the afternoon. He added that sales for men's items are even lower compared to women's clothing, as women tend to show more interest in shopping. They are hoping for some last-minute rush in the remaining days before Eid.

Sellers are holding onto hope that if the weather improves in the remaining days leading up to Eid, there might be a last-minute surge in buyers.

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