Eid shopping at its peak in Ctg

With Eid just around the corner, people from all strata of life are thronging the shopping malls and roadside shops in the port city to buy their desired items.

From morning till midnight, the shops are bustling with crowd. Tailoring shops are equally crowded with people taking deliveries of their dresses.

During a recent visit to shopping malls and markets around the city, this correspondent saw there was a sense of joy and excitement among the shoppers. Many said the prices of products seemed reasonable and within their budget.

“I have to buy clothes for all of my relatives,” said Ashraf Masud, a private sector employee. “For middle income people like me, it's essential to maintain a budget while shopping. The price of clothes is affordable this year.” He was shopping at Sanmar Ocean City in GEC Junction.

Meanwhile, Tawfika Nasrin was shopping along with her mother and younger sister at an outlet in Halishahar area. “I prefer shopping at outlets where I can get everything at one place,” said the university student.

Her mother, however, disagreed. She smiled and said, “I still prefer shopping at different markets.”

In Riazuddin Bazaar, Jannatul Ferdous and her husband were contemplating on how many dresses to buy for their daughters. “This market is a must for middle- and lower-income people. We can purchase clothes for the entire family at a reasonable price here,” said Jannatul.

Meanwhile, those who preferred shirts, pants or T-shirts were rushing to South Land Centre and Johur Hawkers' Market. The markets are preferred by young and adults alike.

“We are seeing a huge rush of shoppers,” said Kamal, a salesman at South Land Centre. “Since clothes are not sold at a fixed rate, people can bargain here,” he said smilingly.

On the other hand, people were flocking to Khadi Ghar and Khadi Mahal in Kotwali area for buying the perfect panjabi. Panjabis were being sold at TK 800-TK 15,000 there.

Meanwhile, women were swarming Terri Bazar and Chittagong Shopping Complex for sari and salwar-kameez. Many were also buying pieces of cloths, ornaments and accessories.

Also, a huge rush of shoppers was seen at Lucky Plaza, Chawk View Market, Gulzar Tower, Tamakumandi Lane Bazar and Singapore-Bangkok Market.

At the same time, markets like New Market (Bipani Bitan), Amin Centre, Sanmar Ocean City, Central Plaza, Mimi Super Market, Akhtaruzzaman Centre and Yunusco were also witnessing a large crowd.

However, some shop owners said they lost customers as many prefer shopping outside the country ahead of Eid.

Didar Mohammad Sadek, general secretary of AFMI Plaza Shop Owners' Association, said, “Business is good this year. But, these days many go to India for shopping. As a result, we lost some of our customers.”

Shahjahan Siddique, joint secretary of Mimi Super Market Shop Owners' Association, echoed him.

Ahead of Eid, the roadside stalls were also doing brisk business. The footpath shops in New Market, Gate No 2 and Agrabad areas were bustling with shoppers.

The female shoppers were buying dresses, bangles, earrings and other items, while male shoppers looked for shirts, pants, tupi (prayer caps), tasbih (prayer beads) and other products.