❐ BD Digest Desk
Summer clothes are being discounted by 20 to 70 percent. In addition, new winter clothes have been launched in stores. But clothing merchants in various shopping malls in the capital said that sales have not reached the expected level even during Durga Puja and the change of seasons.
This sales situation was learned by visiting New Market, Bashundhara City, Elephant Road, Dhanmondi Hawkers Market, Noorjahan Market and Globe Shopping Center and talking to traders and buyers.
One businessman said his shop is now selling only one-third of what it normally does.
Talking to buyers and sellers, it is clear that the common man has been in a dire financial strait over the past two years. The rise in commodity prices, the economic recession, the closure of a large number of factories and businesses, and millions of people becoming unemployed – all of this is not conducive to the situation. People are worried about having enough food to eat. Most people do not have time to think about buying clothes.
Men’s World is offering a 20 percent discount on summer clothes. Fashion house Anjan’s and Live Shopping are offering a maximum discount of 70 percent. However, salespeople at Men’s World and Anjan’s claim that sales could not increase as expected despite the discounts.
Maruf Hasan, a salesperson at Men’s World, said that despite the discounts, there is not much response from buyers.
He said, “Despite the discounts, sales are lower than expected. People have been shopping for the Puja festival for the past few days, but the response from buyers has been much lower than expected. Now we are selling at only one-third of our normal time.”
Anjan’s salesperson Imran Hossain shared the same experience.
He said, “We are offering discounts of up to 70 percent. The discount rate varies from product to product. However, it cannot be said that sales have increased significantly due to these discounts. This year, business during Puja was not as expected.”
According to banker Habibur Rahman, who came to Bashundhara City to shop, the discounts being advertised do not meet his expectations.
“I have heard about big discounts. I had heard that discounts of up to 70 percent are being given. But there are only 10 to 15 percent discounts on my favorite clothes, especially on current fashion clothes. Also, many of the clothes that are being given big discounts are not in my size. Others are of old designs. So, there is not much benefit in coming to shop just because of the discounts,” she said.
Traders at Dhanmondi Hawkers Market also say that their sales during this year’s Durga Puja have not come close to expectations. However, every year during the Puja, there is a rush of shopping in this market, which is known as one of the busiest seasons.
Arif, who sells saris and three-piece suits at Dhanmondi Hawkers Market, estimates that sales during this year’s Puja have dropped by almost half compared to last year.
He said, “Puja is one of the busiest times for our business. In previous years, there were so many customers that I didn’t even have time to catch my breath. There were days when I sold clothes worth 4 to 5 lakh taka. But this time, sales have almost come down to half. Customers are coming, but many of them just look around and leave without buying anything.”
Meanwhile, shops and sidewalk stalls around New Market have started selling winter clothes. However, traders said that the demand for these products is not yet significant.
Sweaters, jackets, hoodies, cardigans, full-sleeved T-shirts and shawls are displayed in front of the shops and on the sidewalk stalls. Shoppers occasionally stand and look at the clothes, ask about prices, and bargain. But purchases are relatively low.
Biplob, a sidewalk clothing seller in New Market, said he had just opened the shop a few days ago to sell winter clothes.
He said, “Sales are low because winter hasn’t set in yet. People are looking at clothes and asking prices. Many are saying they will buy when the winter gets a little warmer.”
Zahid, owner of Aranya Fashion in Nurjahan Market, said that usually the demand for light and warm clothing increases at the beginning of the winter season. As the temperature drops further, sales of jackets, sweaters and hoodies also increase.
“Young people generally prefer hoodies and jackets. On the other hand, family members buy sweaters and other warm clothes for children and the elderly. However, even though we have started stocking winter clothes in the store, sales have not increased yet,” he said.
Mosaddek, a clothing merchant in New Market, hopes that as the winter gets colder, the number of shoppers in his store will increase.
“Our last hope now is winter. Maybe business will improve if the cold weather increases. Even with big discounts, we couldn’t finish our summer clothing stock. Now we are struggling to raise the money needed to buy new winter clothing,” he said.
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