Small shops struggle with low Eid sales despite price cuts

Infographic: TBS

Small clothing and footwear shops in Dhaka are facing lower-than-expected Eid sales, despite reducing prices to attract customers.

Traders in Mirpur, Farmgate, and Karwan Bazar report a 30-50% drop in sales compared to previous years, with many struggling to meet even 60% of their sales targets.

Rakib Hossain, a shopkeeper at Icon Fashion in Mirpur-2, said, "Sales are much lower this year compared to last year. Even after reducing prices by 10-20%, customers are not buying. We are completely trapped this time. At the last moment, we are selling products even if there is a minimum profit of Tk50."

Similarly, Idris Miah, a Punjabi trader from Farmgate, noted that customers were bargaining aggressively.

"Those who come offer Tk400 for a Tk800 product. We are selling products even if there is a small profit," he said.

A visit to small shops selling Eid clothing and accessories in Mirpur-2, Mirpur-10, Mirpur-11, Farmgate, and Karwan Bazar yesterday revealed a sluggish market.

Many shop owners said they were forced to lower prices but still struggled to draw buyers.

Zahid Hasan, who runs Mridul Shoes in Mirpur, said, "Earlier, daily sales exceeded Tk70,000, but now they are not even Tk50,000. In past Eids, we would have seen peak sales by now. If sales do not increase on Friday and Saturday, it will be difficult to cover Eid expenses."

Md Zahirul Islam, a salesperson at Mridha Garments, reported a similar trend.

"Daily sales were Tk80,000-90,000 before. Now they are down to Tk40,000. We have even lowered product prices, but sales remain weak," he said.

He added that additional staff had been hired for the Eid rush, but the revenue barely covered salaries and allowances.

Buyers, too, cited financial strain as a reason for reduced spending.

Ziaul Hasan, a private-sector employee shopping in Mirpur, said, "Previously, our Eid budget was Tk40,000-50,000. This time, we will only buy for the youngest family members, spending around Tk20,000-25,000. The financial situation is tough."

Omar Farooq of Export Plus One, a new clothing shop, said, "We started this business in new Bangladesh with high expectations, but sales have not met them. If things do not improve in the next few days, covering expenses will be difficult."

Md Rasel, a cloth seller in Farmgate, shared similar concerns.

"Even though prices have not increased, this year's sales are much lower than last year. We are hoping for better sales on Friday and Saturday, but customers are not coming as expected."

Saidur Rahman of New Azmeri Saree and Bedding House in Farmgate also pointed to a change in shopping patterns.

"There are more customers today because it is Friday, but the market is not picking up like in previous Eids. Earlier, political leaders would buy 100-200 outfits for zakat. This time, we barely see such customers," he said.

Shyamoli Begum, a customer at Robin Fashion in Farmgate, said her budget was tight.

"I can only afford to buy a dress for my younger sister this Eid. There is no financial ability to shop for the rest of the family."

Abdur Rauf Khan, a seller at Robin Fashion, confirmed the trend.

"Sales have dropped by half this year. Customers who come are buying much less—previously, one person would buy 4-5 dresses, but now they only buy one."

With only a few days left before Eid, small shop owners remain hopeful for a last-minute sales surge, but the overall outlook remains uncertain.