Eid shopping gains momentum in Rajshahi markets

Eid shopping has gathered pace in Rajshahi as markets and shopping malls across the city are witnessing a surge of customers ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.

From shopping centres to roadside footpaths, shoppers have been thronging stores in search of new clothes, shoes, cosmetics and gifts for family members, creating a festive atmosphere in the city.

Traders said the rush of customers has been gradually increasing since the beginning of Ramadan, with crowds becoming particularly visible in the afternoon and swelling further after iftar.

Women's clothing shops are drawing the largest crowds. Stores selling sarees, three-piece suits, gowns and lehengas are packed with customers, while cosmetic outlets are also experiencing brisk sales.

A visit to the city's markets shows women's three-piece outfits are selling between Tk1,200 and Tk4,000, depending on fabric and design.

Locally produced cotton and lawn fabrics are in high demand, while dresses with heavy embroidery or decorative work are comparatively more expensive.

Sarees are available between Tk1,500 and Tk8,000 to Tk10,000, depending on fabric quality and craftsmanship. Shopkeepers said mid-range clothing items are currently the most popular among buyers.

Men's punjabis are being sold between Tk1,000 and Tk3,500, traders said.

Children's clothing is also witnessing strong demand as families prepare for the festival. Frocks, lehengas, shirts, pants and T-shirt sets in various colors and designs are widely available in the markets.

Buyers said prices of children's clothing have increased slightly compared to last year. Children's frocks and panjabi-pajama sets are selling between Tk800 and Tk2,500.

Footwear shops are also experiencing brisk sales, with sneakers, sandals and other stylish shoes for children selling between Tk1,500 and Tk2,000 in the sandal market area.

Many shoppers said they are completing their purchases early to avoid the last-minute rush before Eid.

Fatema, a student of Rajshahi College, said she is buying gifts along with her own Eid shopping as she plans to return home next week.

"Later, I may not get time, and the crowd will only increase," she said.

Sajna Bashir, another shopper, said she preferred to shop early to avoid congestion in the final days before Eid.

"The crowd will increase towards the end before Eid, so I came early to shop," she said.

Shopkeepers said sales have just started gaining momentum, and they expect business to pick up further in the coming days.

Ali Hossain, a shopkeeper at RDA Market, said traders are optimistic about better sales this year.

"Customers are gradually increasing, and we hope business will be good before Eid," he said.

With the festival approaching, both small markets and large shopping malls across Rajshahi are now staying open until late at night, adding to the vibrant festive mood in the city.