Eid shopping gathers pace in Rajshahi

With the Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival of Muslims, approaching, shopping activities have gained momentum cross markets and shopping malls in Rajshahi city.

Stores are displaying a wide range of new clothing, footwear, cosmetics and children's items, attracting large numbers of shoppers eager to prepare for the festive occasion.

Traders say the markets have started to take on a festive atmosphere as people crowd the shops to buy new outfits and accessories ahead of Eid.

During the weekends --Friday and Saturday, major markets in the city witnessed a surge in volume of visitors.

From morning until late night, both shopping malls and roadside stalls were bustling with buyers.

Crowds begin to swell further in the afternoon while after iftar the markets become even more crowded as shoppers flocked to complete their purchases.

A visit to several markets, including RDA Market, Saheb Bazar and New Market, showed shops filled with newly arrived garments and fashion items.

Women's clothing in particular features a wide variety of designs this season. Persian-style salwar-kameez, outfits inspired by Pakistani and Indian patterns, along with kurtis, single kameez, two-piece sets, shararas and ghararas are drawing considerable attention from customers.

Traders say women's clothing stores are experiencing significantly higher footfall than those selling men's wear.

Shops offering sarees, three-piece suits, gowns, lehengas and other fashionable outfits are witnessing heavy customer traffic. Cosmetic stores and footwear outlets are also seeing a steady stream of buyers.

According to shop owners, the flow of customers at RDA Market began increasing soon after the start of Ramadan.

While daytime traffic remains moderate, crowds begin to gather in the late afternoon and continue to grow throughout the evening. After iftar, the market area and surrounding sidewalks become particularly busy.

Retailers note that during the early days of Ramadan, customers usually visit markets to explore new designs and compare prices. As Eid draws nearer, however, the pace of shopping gradually increases.

Market observations show that women's three-piece outfits are selling between Tk 1,200 and Tk 4,000, depending on fabric quality and design. Cotton and lawn fabrics are currently among the most popular choices. Sarees are available in a wide price range, starting from around Tk 1,500 and reaching up to Tk 8,000-10,000 for more elaborate designs.

Shopkeepers say mid-range products are seeing the highest demand, as many middle-income customers prefer stylish clothing at relatively affordable prices.

Men's panjabis are also selling well this season. Depending on brand and design, these traditional outfits are priced between Tk 1,000 and Tk 3,500. Pajamas and sandals are also in demand as part of the festive attire.

Children's clothing shops are similarly crowded. Colourful frocks, lehengas, shirts, pants and T-shirts are available in a variety of styles. Children's frocks and panjabi-pajama sets are selling between Tk 800 and Tk 2,500. However, some buyers have noted that prices appear slightly higher compared with last year.

Footwear stores are also witnessing steady sales. At the sandal and shoe sections, sneakers, sandals and other styles are being sold for around Tk 1,500 to Tk 2,000, with many new designs introduced ahead of the festival.

Many shoppers say they prefer to complete their Eid shopping early to avoid the rush during the final days before the festival.

Rajia Sultana, a student of Rajshahi College, said she plans to return home next week and is therefore purchasing gifts for family members along with her own clothes. "I may not get enough time later, and the crowds will be bigger," she said.

Another customer, Papiya Akter, said she came to the market early to avoid last-minute congestion. "I am buying some essential items now and may return later if needed," she added.

Traders believe that the shopping rush has not yet reached its peak but expect customer numbers to rise significantly in the coming days. Many shops have already introduced special discounts and promotional offers to attract buyers.

Ali Hossain, a trader at RDA Market, said sales have started to increase but the main Eid shopping period is yet to begin. "We expect customer turnout to grow in the next few days. Compared to previous years, sales have begun earlier this Ramadan, so we are hopeful about good business," he said.

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