Teribazar eyes Tk2,000cr Eid sales as traders await post-election rebound
Traders say nearly 70% of annual sales are made during Ramadan
At Chattogram's largest wholesale clothing hub, Teribazar, traders have stepped up preparations ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. The vast commercial centre – comprising 121 markets and around 2,000 small and large shops – is now bustling with activity.
Each year, transactions worth several thousand crore taka are conducted from the market. Traders say they are aiming to cross Tk2,000 crore in sales this time. A significant share – around 70% of annual business – is typically completed during Ramadan, helping offset shortfalls for the rest of the year.
Teribazar also ranks among the top markets in Chattogram in terms of business volume. During Ramadan, small shops in the market usually record daily sales ranging from Tk10,000 to Tk40,000, while large showrooms report daily transactions of around Tk20 lakh to Tk30 lakh.
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Although early trading has been somewhat slow due to the election atmosphere and the prevailing political situation, traders remain optimistic. They believe shopping activity will pick up once the election is completed.
Business owners say they are prepared to overcome the temporary slowdown. With sufficient stock on hand and a steady supply of imported fabrics, wholesalers say they are now waiting for shoppers to return. Once the election-related uncertainty eases, they believe the century-old market will regain its usual vibrancy and meet its Tk2,000 crore sales target.
One of Teribazar's main draws is the wide variety of products on offer. Shops are stocked with both locally produced fabrics and imports from India, Pakistan, China, Vietnam, Korea and Japan, shop owners said.
They noted that a record volume of stock has been built up this year, particularly for women's and children's wear. In the sari and three-piece segments, Pakistani lawn fabrics and Indian boutique collections are especially prominent.
Prices also vary widely across the market. Basic three-piece sets are available at Tk500 to Tk700, while exclusive collections sell for Tk2,500 to Tk4,000. For men, panjabis and kablis are priced between Tk700 and Tk4,000, while premium saris and panjabis cost Tk5,000 to Tk10,000.
Chattogram's traditional Teribazar is also widely known across the country for unstitched cloth, with prices ranging from Tk60 to Tk2,400 per yard, depending on quality and shop. Panjabi fabric is sold at Tk120 to Tk400 per yard. The market also hosts numerous lace shops and a wide range of prayer caps.
Mohammad Mamunur Rashid, an executive member of the Teribazar Byabshayi Somiti, told The Business Standard that the market could see business worth Tk2,000 crore this Eid, with traders preparing accordingly.
"All small and large shops across the market's 121 centres have stocked sufficient fabrics in line with demand, with quality garments sourced from countries including India, Pakistan and China," he said.
"Although trading was slow at the outset due to the election, business owners are hopeful that shopping will gain momentum immediately after the polls," he added, noting that one-stop shopping malls have made purchasing easier for customers.
Alhaj Abul Mansur, general secretary of the Teribazar Byabshayi Somiti, told The Business Standard that Teribazar has long been a key wholesale clothing hub in Chattogram, with retailers from across the country sourcing fabrics from the market.
"Wholesale sales are particularly strong ahead of Ramadan, and business in unstitched cloth remained brisk until the 15th day of the month," he said, adding that demand for ready-made garments, footwear and cosmetics has increased, with shoppers visiting the market from morning until late at night.
