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Dhaka city's shopping malls pulled in a large crowd of customers on Friday for Eid buying, much to relief of traders after two long years of the pandemic.
Garment traders were seen passing a busy time receiving and selling products, especially the Eid wear.
Jamiruddin, a salesperson at a clothes store at Eastern Plus Shopping Complex in Shantinagar area, says their sales have increased manifold this year.
"We've failed to do business properly in the past two years for Covid-19 restrictions," he adds, as buyers also suffered a financial crisis.
Mr Jamir hopes their sales will go upwards until the last day of the Ramadan fast.
For many, however, their sales are yet to pick up properly, and they are waiting for the next weekend.
A salesperson at City Heart Shopping Complex says their sales have dropped this year compared to last year's.
Despite restrictions on movement, customers came and bought products last year. But this time, they lack required budget for Eid shopping as the Covid fallout.
When asked, a salesperson says the prices of imported women's wear have increased to some extent ahead of the festival. Buyers also speak about the increasing prices of all clothing items centring the festival.
"The dress I purchased at Tk 1,000 before Ramadan now sells at Tk 1,600," says Momena, a shopper from Kamalapur area.
Sales at the shopping centres in other parts of the capital have also perked up at the weekend.
Visiting the Bashundhara City shopping mall, the FE observed overcrowding and long queues in front of some renowned fashion houses.
Because of shoppers' congestion, adjacent roads faced horrendous traffic. People spent an inordinate time for a vehicle to go home.
"I came here [Bashundhara City] as there are varied fashion houses," said a customer at the multi-storey shopping facility.
About price, the buyer expressed his dissatisfaction. Yet the man said he had no option but to buy for his near and dear ones.
Buyers also thronged Chandnichawk, Gausia and New Market to buy Eid wear and accessories of their choice.
People, especially lower-income groups, were also seen at roadside shops to buy dresses for celebrating the largest religious festival of Muslims.