Jhenaidah: Eid shopping in the district is bustling on the occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr as the sales of clothes, cosmetics, ornaments, and grocery products have started in full-swing. The tailors who make clothes have increased their activity. People of different income groups are busy with Eid shopping for their family members. The city’s big markets, shopping malls, and establishments have been decorated with colourful lighting ahead of the Eid. The festive atmosphere has spread across the city.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, it was seen on the ground that the shopping malls of Sayadatia Complex, Munshi Market, and Post Office intersection in the district town are overflowing with customers. The crowd of buyers starts increasing in the afternoon. Although the number of customers is less during the daytime due to heat, their presence increases in the shopping malls and shops in the evening. Shopkeepers are spending a busy time in the shopping malls of the district city including Samabaya Super Market, Munshi Market, and Jinnah Super Market. Since it is the month of Ramadan, a new dimension has been added to the Iftar arrangements besides handling customers. Shopkeepers and employees have been busy organizing Iftar after Asr prayers. After Iftar, the shopping starts in full-swing.
A crowd of low-income people has been observed in Pipilika Market, Krishi College Market, and Zilla Parishad Markets. Many are buying their favorite clothes from these shops according to their financial ability. In addition to buying clothes to put a smile on the faces of all family members, the crowd of customers has increased in cosmetics, jewelry, shoes, sandals, and tailor shops. They are also seen in spice and grocery stores. The upcoming holy Eid-ul-Fitr is still a long way off. Nevertheless, the Eid atmosphere seems to have spread in the brick-and-mortar city.
Apart from the district town, Eid shopping has also been rampant in Kaliganj, Kotchandpur, Maheshpur, Shailkupa, and Harinakundu upazila towns. The marginalized people of the village are flocking to the shops to buy new clothes, ornaments, and decorative items according to their ability. In addition, Eid shopping has been rampant in the markets established in the big markets of the district including Dakbangla, Khalishpur, Hat Gopalpur, Barobazar, Narikel Bariya, Garaganj, Bhatai, and Hatfazilpur. Tailors are struggling to make clothes in the last few days.
Buyer Sabina Khatun expressed that she came to shop for the children and elderly of the family, noting that seeing them celebrate Eid with smiles makes the occasion special. Another buyer, Matiur Rahman, mentioned that he feels good shopping this year as the prices are tolerable, although foreign clothes are a bit high-priced. Hosne Ara Begum noted a shift in interest away from foreign clothes, stating that the prices of clothes, cosmetics, and accessories are not very high this time.
Munshi Market shopkeeper Palash Hossain reported high sales at ready-made garment stores. He noted that sales at ‘than/gauge clothes’ and three-piece shops decrease as Eid approaches since tailors do not accept last-minute orders. Kamrul Islam, a sales representative of Naureen Fashion, highlighted that the extreme heat during the day reduces buyer traffic, but sales increase at night and continue until late.
Anwarul Islam Badsha, President of the Jhenaidah District Shop Owners Association, confirmed that sales and purchases are ongoing in a festive atmosphere, with monitoring conducted by the association to ensure a favorable business environment and customer safety.