Khulna: The sale of winter clothes has gained momentum in Khulna as temperatures continue to drop, affecting not only Khulna but also various parts of the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, as the winter season progresses, consumers are flocking to stores to purchase winter attire. Retailers have stocked up a diverse range of garments to meet the demand during this colder period. Leading export-oriented garment factories, alongside established local clothing brands, currently dominate the market, as the presence of foreign retail outlets remains limited in the city.
The streets of Khulna city have come alive with the calls of street vendors offering deals such as "Everything at 50, everything at 100," as small traders set up stalls selling winter apparel. While winter has not fully arrived, footpath markets are bustling with the sale of low-priced second-hand garments, creating a lively winter atmosphere.
A recent visit to various locations such as KD Ghosh Road, Station Road, Dakbangla Mor, and others, revealed small traders showcasing sweaters, jackets, mufflers, caps, and other winter wear for eager buyers. Traders have reported better sales compared to last year, though the market has not yet reached its full potential. They remain content with their current daily turnover.
At the Circuit House ground, trader Aminul Islam, along with his employees, was observed selling second-hand winter clothing items at affordable prices, ranging from Taka 20-50. Worker Shaheb Ali noted that the low prices are a significant draw for customers, while another worker, Samiul, explained that they purchase bales of old clothing for Taka 6,000-25,000, making a profit of Taka 4-5 per piece.
Shahana Begum, a customer from Hogladanga area in Batiaghata upazila, shared her shopping experience with BSS, stating that she purchased Taka 500 worth of clothes for her children, as the prices were low enough to meet their winter needs.
At the District Stadium Market, around 20-25 shops have stocked winter wear. Jacket seller Shadiul offers jackets ranging from Taka 50 to Taka 700 and plans to introduce higher-priced options as temperatures drop further. Other shops in the vicinity display jackets, trousers, jeans, and women's wear at reasonable prices.
Abdul Majid, another trader, expressed that while sales have slowed recently, they are expected to pick up with the new month. He indicated that a high-quality bale of jackets now costs Taka 50,000-52,000.
Blankets are also available for purchase in several markets. Businessman Emon offers blankets priced between Taka 200 and Taka 8,000, depending on quality, while Touhidul Islam sells blankets from Taka 150 to Taka 4,000 and reports brisk sales.
On the footpath in front of the deputy commissioner's office, hawker Rob Molla actively markets torn and used jackets and shirts at fixed prices, while vendor Nayon on Station Road sells full-sleeve T-shirts, jackets, and caps from his van at Taka 150 each, catering to a wide range of customers.
Alif Islam, owner of Pabna Emporium and joint secretary of KDA New market, commented that the Bangladeshi clothing retail market still operates informally, despite efforts by some high-rise shopping malls to formalize it. He noted that many customers are waiting for colder weather and prefer to shop at nearby informal markets.