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Eid sales in different shopping malls in the capital are yet to gain momentum as the majority of buyers are remaining tight-fisted at the month-end amid inflationary pressure, according to traders.
They say persistent increases in the prices of essentials, such as rice, edible oil, and utilities, have squeezed disposable income, forcing many middle- and lower-income families to prioritise basic needs over festival shopping.
However, they say sales will pick up soon when the majority of shoppers will get festival allowances, their regular salaries, and remittances from their close ones staying abroad.
During visits to New Market, Gausia, Nurjahan, and Bashundhara City, it was found that people from different walks of life were crowding in fashion outlets to buy their desired items.
Shopkeepers displayed colourful collections of panjabis, sarees, and children's wear to attract customers.
While traders said sales remained lower than their desired levels, buyers expressed disappointment over higher prices.
Many customers were seen comparing prices from one shop to another and bargaining hard before making purchases.
Talking to The Financial Express, Shariful Islam, a trader at New Market, said Friday, being the weekly holiday, drew good crowds.
"However, overall sales remain poor," said Islam, who sells baby items.
"Obviously, sales will rise several times when people get their festival allowances and salaries soon," he said.
He added that wholesalers had already increased supply in anticipation of higher demand in the coming days.
Shahana Parvin, a buyer, said she bought a baby set for her one-year-old niece at a cost of Tk 500, which she believed was higher than last year.
"A baby set of similar quality used to sell between Tk 400 and Tk 450 last year," she said.
Like her, many shoppers, who mostly intended to avoid the mad rush during the days before Eid, visited malls.
Some customers said they preferred completing purchases early to avoid traffic congestion and overcrowding in the final week of Ramadan.
Buyers were coming not only to shopping malls but also to sidewalk shops.
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